The Cowboys, according to multiple sources, have shopped Williams for a possible trade.

Jordan Woy, Williams' agent, said he was not given permission to seek a trade but would like to see something done quickly.

Should the Cowboys cut Williams, they would create $2.18 million in salary cap space. If Williams remains with the team, which is doubtful, he would earn a $4.4 million base salary for the 2009 season. Williams played in only three games in 2008 because of a twice-fractured forearm. Over the last few years, he has not performed like an impact player.

In his first three seasons - 2002 to '04 - Williams compiled 319 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback pressures.

Over the next four seasons, which included missing 14 games, Williams had 294 total tackles but only four tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures. Williams contends the defensive scheme, which moved him farther from the line of scrimmage, hurt his ability to make plays.

"When you are not performing to the liking of the media and fans, it puts it in ownership's mind that it might need to do something when the performance has dipped," Williams said.

With Williams' expected departure, the team has a hole to fill at his position. Cornerback Anthony Henry said he wouldn't mind moving to safety and played that position in some passing situations late last season.

The Cowboys, who have nine picks in the draft, could draft a safety or sign one in Free Agency. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he doesn't expect the team to become a major player in Free Agency.

Williams' numbers

Roy Williams' year-by-year numbers. Categories include total tackles, tackles for loss, QB pressures and forced fumbles:

Yr GP-GS Tac. Loss QB FF

'02 16-16 127 7 8 4

'03 16-16 86 6 5 2

'04 16-16 106 5 4 1

'05 16-16 82 2 1 3

'06 16-16 88 2 1 0

'07 15-13 115 0 2 0

'08 3-2 9 0 0 0

In 2007 Williams missed one game because of a suspension

In 2008, he missed 13 games with injuries.

Tackles statistics are compiled by the coaches