When He Retires: Roy Williams Will Sign One-Day Contract With Dallas To Retire As A Cowboy

Roy Williams isn't going to retire this year, but that day could be soon, admits the Bengals safety. And when he does, Jerry Jones agreed to sign Williams to a one-day contract so he can retire as a Dallas Cowboy -- the team he played for during his first seven seasons, largely very successful, in the NFL from 2002 until 2008.

Still, that's a little far off.

As for the here and now, a general concern with Williams is his continued durability. Between 2008 and 2009, out of a possible 32 games, Williams has played in seven -- including four with the Bengals last year -- due to a forearm injury. He's worn a forearm brace during practices and it was noticeable during Sunday's Hall of Fame game.

Speaking of the game, Williams generated several big hits against the Cowboys, including a forced fumble by Felix Jones on the goal line. The fumble, which was recovered by Leon Hall, was erased because Jonathan Fanene was called for offsides.

During his first year with the Bengals, Williams led the Bengals with nine tackles during the season opener against the Denver Broncos. He followed that up with eight tackles against the Packers and eight against the Steelers, which included a tackle that prevented Willie Parker from gaining a yard on third-and-goal from the Bengals one-yard line, forcing Pittsburgh to kick a field goal.

Unless something dramatic happens, like an injury resurfacing that only allowed him to play four games last season, Williams figures to be the starting strong safety.