The Cowboys anticipate a defensive turnaround under new coordinator Christian Parker after ranking last in points allowed in 2025. If the club is to make a leap on that side of the ball, it’ll be spearheaded by Williams’ rejuvenation. He’s coming off a down season by his standards, generating just 2.5 sacks, but he still earned 45 QB pressures (tied for seventh-most among DTs, per Next Gen Stats) and his 11.9 percent pressure rate ranked fifth (min. 200 pass rushes). The 28-year-old isn’t far removed from leading all DTs in QB pressures (71 in 2023) or racking up a career-high 12 sacks (2022). In Parker’s defense, Williams will be asked to cause havoc in the backfield. If he does so, Williams will be recognized as one of the top interior forces yet again, and Dallas’ D will finally get back on track.
