Cowboys defensive end arrested

Frisco (Texas) Police arrested Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams on gun and drug charges Sunday night, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance represent the charges against the second-year edge rusher. While Williams, 24, was back at practice Tuesday, this arrest could certainly produce a suspension, as it comes months after another off-field incident.

A December 2022 car accident led to a police investigation, with Hill adding an arrest warrant was issued for Williams, who was cited for misdemeanor reckless driving. That wreck led to Williams’s hospitalization and a missed Week 16 game, due to a concussion and a neck strain, but further details revealed the Ole Miss alum was driving “up to” 98 mph — in a 55-mph zone — shortly before that crash, Hill adds.

Williams displayed pass-rushing talent as a rookie, registering four sacks as a backup in 15 games. He finished with 10 tackles for loss. While the Cowboys re-signed Dante Fowler and still have Dorance Armstrong under contract behind starters Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, Williams is expected to remain a key part of the team’s deep pass-rushing corps. But Williams’ off-field troubles can now be labeled frequent. A sexual battery charge while at Ole Miss led to Williams’ suspension in July 2020. This charge was later dropped, and the Rebels reinstated Williams during that season.

The two incidents involving Williams as a pro could lead to a suspension. Convictions do not need to arise for players to be banned under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.