Dan Quinn successfully acquired three free agents from the Cowboys’ roster. Among these additions, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler will serve as defensive ends for the Commanders, filling the void left by Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
While the departure of Armstrong and Fowler impacts the Cowboys’ defensive line, key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are still present. The emergence of 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams will provide further insight into the team’s defense this season.
Williams, 25, showed promise with 4.5 sacks last season and will likely play a more significant role in Dallas’ pass rush this year. His performance could set the stage for a lucrative second contract in the future.
Randy Gregory‘s departure led to Armstrong signing a three-year, $33MM deal with Washington after playing out a two-year contract. The Cowboys selected Williams 56th overall, while Fowler remained on a one-year deal in 2023, limiting Williams’ opportunities. To bolster their pass rush, the Cowboys also drafted Marshawn Kneeland and plan to utilize him and Williams as rotational players.