Cowboys Rumors: Al-Quadin Muhammad Signs 1-Year Contract After Sam Williams Injury

The Dallas Cowboys signed veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year contract Thursday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news in the wake of Sam Williams suffering a torn ACL in training camp.

"That's a really tough break," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters. "Especially for him. Because he was clearly going to be a primary contributor."

Muhammad spent the 2023 season on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad but was suspended for six games in December for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. He previously played four seasons with the Colts from 2018 to 2021, along with stints with the New Orleans Saints (2017) and Chicago Bears (2022).

A 2017 sixth-round pick out of Miami, Muhammad has recorded 157 tackles and 12 sacks in his NFL career. He set a career high with six sacks during the 2021 season while starting 17 games for the Colts.

The Cowboys will need a third edge rusher to play behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence in 2024. Second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland will likely get the first crack at replacing Williams, but having a veteran like Muhammad around could help fill out the depth chart.

Dallas could also continue exploring the open market if Muhammad struggles to make an impact in camp. While terms of his contract were not made available, it's likely he received very little in guaranteed money.