Dallas Cowboys Safety Roy Williams: You are on the Clock

With the events of the past few weeks, this may be a make-or-break year for Dallas Cowboys’ safety Roy Williams.

Despite the fact that Williams has been named to four Pro Bowl teams, he has proven himself to be a liability in pass coverage.

The most glaring example was the Washington game two seasons ago when Santana Moss scored two late, long touchdowns to steal the game from Dallas.

Last season, the Cowboys even began replacing Williams in nickel and dime situations, or moving him down to linebacker.

Williams is now going to have to show improvement in his pass coverage ability in order to remain in Dallas for the long haul.

If Pacman Jones gets reinstated by the Commissioner, then the secondary in Dallas will be loaded with talent, and salary.

Jones is cheap now, but if he comes back and plays well, he will not remain cheap for long.

Newman and Henry are both big money guys, and Newman will need a new contract after next season.

Mike Jenkins will earn a hefty paycheck by being a first round pick.

Ken Hamlin will need a new contract after this year, as he is currently playing under the franchise tag.

Roy’s deal ends in two years.

One threat to Williams' position will come from the possible move of Anthony Henry to safety.

The move was discussed before Ken Hamlin was signed, because Parcells knew that Williams needed help in coverage.

Ken Hamlin has experience playing free safety in Seattle, and Henry is not afraid to help in run support either. Both could potentially play either safety position.

A secondary of Newman, Jones, and Jenkins in coverage with Henry and Hamlin roaming the field deep would be difficult to throw against.

Aside from moving Henry, the Cowboys are also pleased with the progress of Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown, two late draft picks from last season.

Watkins replaced Williams in nickel and dime situations by the end of last season. 

Dallas could also get good value for Williams. He could possibly be traded for one of the big name receivers the Cowboys missed out on before the draft.

It seems like the Cowboys may be growing tired of paying a safety to get beat over the top almost as often as he horse-collars opponents.

Time will tell if Roy’s number change will be the only uniform change he makes in the next season or two.