Dallas Cowboys release strong safety Roy Williams

The Dallas Cowboys released five-time Pro Bowl strong safety Roy Williams today.
Once one of the most popular Cowboys with the most visible jersey, Williams’ seven-year career ended far differently than it started. He leaves town as an oft-criticized target whose departure was more a matter of when than if because of his hefty price tag and glaring pass coverage deficiencies. Williams was the No. 8 overall selection in the 2002 draft out of Oklahoma. The Cowboys' shift to the 3-4 defensive scheme never seemed to fit Williams, who believed his style was much more suited for the 4-3. That’s the scheme he started his Dallas career in under former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, now with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Williams, 28, will save the Cowboys $2.2 million on the salary cap and he was due a $4.4 million salary this season. Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones did not get the return on his investment with Williams. He signed a four-year, $25 million deal in 2006, which included an $11.1 million signing bonus and believed he would end his career with the Cowboys.

But Williams, formerly one of the most feared hitters in the NFL, became more and more of a target for opposing offenses which took advantage of his pass coverage limitations. Wade Phillips reduced Williams’ role to primarily first and second downs and used cornerback Anthony Henry to cover tight ends in sub packages. Williams’ concerns in the scheme became apparent and his projected impact of playing closer to the line of scrimmage with Phillips never appeared.

In 2008, Williams lost weight and vowed to find his old form that came with a change for No. 31 to 38 (which he starred in at Oklahoma). Yet, by the end of the season he was a forgotten player after fracturing his forearm twice and was placed on injured reserve Oct. 21 after the loss to St. Louis. He played just three games this season.

The 2008 season also ended Williams’ streak of Pro Bowl appearances at five.
Williams had five interceptions as rookie in 2002 (tied for team lead) and in 2006 (team high). However, his game-changing hits and plays began to fade under Bill Parcells and disappeared under Phillips in 2007. He went without a sack, forced fumble and had two interceptions in 2007.
Williams was also a highly sensitive player who often deflected blame and chided the media when his coverage skills were questioned. One potential landing spot for Williams could be in Cincinnati, allowing him to reunite with Zimmer. He finished his Cowboys career with 19 interceptions (three for a touchdown) and 6.5 sacks, but none since 2005.source:http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1240611.html