National media outlet suggests the Dallas Cowboys should sign a former first-round pick, but here’s why they should stay away
The Dallas Cowboys will soon report to training camp and it’s no surprise we’re looking at potential free agency additions. But this is one that fails to get anyone excited.
With Dallas Cowboys training camp kicking off on July 28, you can expect the front office to take a long look at the top available free agents who could boast the team’s chances right before the season.
One name to watch for Dallas, according to CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo, is offensive tackle Jonah Williams. And while the logic is sound, I believe the Cowboys may just be better off steering clear. Let’s dive in.
Why Williams makes sense for Cowboys
I don’t hate the idea of taking yet another swing on a former first-round pick whose career hasn’t panned out the way it was expected to. That’s exactly what Williams is today. But I understand DeArdo’s stance on the Cowboys needs in the trenches.
“Williams’ recent injury history has undoubtedly hindered his market value,” DeArdo writes in a free agent matchmaker article. “With that in mind, Williams’ best bet might be joining a team that would use him as either a swing tackle or as a depth piece. That brings us to Dallas, where the Cowboys could use some experience behind starters Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele.”
“While he hasn’t lived up to his draft stock, the former 11th overall pick has nonetheless been a solid pass protector who has started in each of his 79 NFL games,” he adds.
My biggest concern with the Cowboys offense right now is the pass protection from Steele and Guyton. So I understand wanting to add some talent to the position. But if I’m being honest, Williams doesn’t get me excited one bit.
Why the Cowboys should avoid Williams
First and foremost, Williams’ career has been disappointing for being a former Top 15 draft pick. That’s largely because of injuries, which kept him from playing his rookie year back in 2019 and hindered his availability recently.
Since the start of the 2024 NFL season, he’s missed a total of 19 games. He was placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury in Week 1 of 2024. In November of last year, Williams had season-ending shoulder surgery.
And when he has played, it hasn’t been great, either.
According to PFF, he ranked 79th out of 89 qualifying offensive tackles in pass protection. He allowed 22 total pressures and four sacks in just nine games.
Maybe I’m being too harsh on a veteran who would come in as a starter and little more. But at this point, I wonder if the Cowboys are better off with what they have. Nate Thomas proved a serviceable backup last year. While I’m not buying he has a chance to beat Tyler Guyton for the starting left tackle job, I see him as solid depth.
I’d be more intrigued in names such as Taylor Decker and Cam Robinson if we’re talking free agent offensive tackles. But I’m passing on Williams.