Dallas, Texas – Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys head coach, who is currently leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly aggressively pushing his new team to execute a trade to acquire Sam Williams — one of the players he values most highly from his time in Dallas.
McCarthy, who knows the Cowboys organization inside out after 5 seasons as head coach (2020–2024), believes Williams is the ideal piece to strengthen the Steelers’ pass rush and fits perfectly into Pittsburgh’s defensive system.
Sam Williams, the Cowboys’ second-round selection (pick 56) in the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown tremendous potential even though he has not yet fully exploded statistically.
After four seasons, he has recorded 9.5 sacks, 85 tackles, and 22 tackles for loss. Williams is famous for his explosive athleticism, long arms, quick first step, and strong run defense.
The Cowboys re-signed Williams to a one-year “prove-it” deal worth approximately $2.5–3 million in March 2026.
However, with the EDGE room quite crowded (including Rashan Gary and several high draft picks from 2026) and salary cap considerations, Dallas may consider trading the 27-year-old if they receive a reasonable offer.
For the Steelers, acquiring Williams would allow Mike McCarthy to reunite with a familiar, high-upside EDGE to pair with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, adding youth and depth to the defensive front.
McCarthy believes Williams’ athletic traits and untapped potential will make him a long-term cornerstone in Pittsburgh.
Potential trade package: The Steelers could send the Cowboys a second-round pick (around pick 40–50) along with a third-round pick or another depth player. This is considered a fair price for an EDGE with high upside.
Although trading Williams is not the Cowboys’ top priority, the salary relief and additional draft capital could make it difficult to refuse, especially as the team focuses on reshaping its defense.
As the 2026 offseason heats up, all eyes are on the potential negotiations between the Cowboys and Steelers. Acquiring Sam Williams would be a strong statement by Mike McCarthy in his first year with Pittsburgh, immediately upgrading the Steelers’ defense and increasing their competitiveness in the AFC North.
This deal could significantly change the defensive fronts of both teams for years to come and promises to be one of the most attractive trades of the 2026 NFL offseason.
