Roy Williams believes he "does not fit" in Cowboys defense

[Star-Telegram]

By RICK HERRIN

Cowboys Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams has told a veteran teammate that Wade Phillips’ defense does not fit him.

That’s what linebacker Greg Ellis said Williams confided in him at the start of last year’s training camp when the new staff installed Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. Ellis made the remarks Thursday on Sirius NFL Radio. Ellis also said that Williams has isolated himself from the team and might want to play somewhere else.

"Roy told me in training camp, he said, 'Greg this defense does not fit me. I don’t fit in well with this defense at all,' " Ellis said. "Obviously, it came to be true just like he said. He doesn’t fit what’s going on here in Dallas right now. Maybe this year, if they decide to keep him for this season Wade and them would kind of adjust some things to fit him better."

Ellis said Williams loves Dallas and owner Jerry Jones but believes his teammate would like to play somewhere else. It has also troubled Ellis to see Williams distance himself from the team during the off-season. Ellis said when he arrives at 7:30 a.m. to train at Valley Ranch Williams is often already leaving from working out by himself.

"The bothersome thing for me as Roy’s friend and his teammate I hate the criticism he is getting," Ellis said. "I hate the fact that how he is kind of isolating himself from the team."

Williams’ role in the defense diminished last season as Phillips implemented multiple sub-packages to create better matchups in the secondary. Williams is expected to primarily play on first and second down this season because of his coverage limitations. His impact has decreased in the past few years along with his trademark game-changing hits.

Williams is looking for a new start this season and has changed his number from 31 to 38, which he wore at the University of Oklahoma.

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