The Cowboys knew something had to be done when Sam Williams went down earlier this preseason with a torn ACL (and MCL) during practice. The third-year edge rusher was primed to take on a crucial role in Mike Zimmer’s defense, especially with the word that Micah Parsons would be lining up at linebacker more often, similar to his rookie season.
Dallas didn’t have any defensive ends who had the speed-to-power ratio as Williams, as rookie Marshawn Kneeland is more of a edge-setter despite having a tremendous camp that’s earned him Cam Jordan comparisons. With Parsons and starting LE DeMarcus Lawrence sitting out the first preseason game, the Cowboys’ pass rush was a non-factor, indicating there needed to be an improvement in talent and early Thursday morning that came with the signing of veteran DE Carl Lawson.