With a retooled pass rush, the Dallas Cowboys are set to wreak havoc on opposing offenses in 2025.

The unit is led by superstar EDGE defender Micah Parsons, who will soon reset the market at his position with a looming contract extension in the range of $40 million per year.

The defensive line also includes names like Osa Odighizuwa, Sam Williams, Soloman Thomas, Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler Jr., Payton Turner, Mazi Smith, and second-round rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku.

Having an abundance of quality pass rushers is a good problem to have, but it could also force the front office to make some tough decisions down the line.

Ezeiruaku has made strong impressions early in the Cowboys offseason program and could push veteran pass rushers for their job this upcoming season—notably fourth-year EDGE rusher Williams.

The Cowboys selected Williams in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has been a sometimes-productive player since stepping foot in Dallas. He suffered a devastating knee injury during training camp last year that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season.

Iron sharpens iron and the competition between Williams and Ezeiruaku will be an interesting training camp battle to watch this summer.

“[Donovan Ezeiruaku is] doing great. He’s doing really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really great,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “…You can’t watch the guy and not get excited watching them do the things that we’re doing out there on the grass, the things that we saw coming out of Boston College. And then the work ethic is elite.”

Is “EZ” “great” enough to push Sam?

With a contract year ahead, Williams aims to return to pre-injury form and play a vital role in a Cowboys pass rush loaded with potential.