Dallas Cowboys: Three remaining free agents to consider in 2021
By Connor Green
Sheldon Richardson, DT
The Dallas Cowboys should definitely pursue defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who was recently released by the Cleveland Browns. The 30-year old managed to get 4.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and three pass deflections while starting all 16 games for the Browns last season.
Richardson has played eight seasons in the league with several different teams’ and would be a steal for Dallas if they can get him for the right price at this point in free agency. The former defensive rookie of the year is an excellent run defender, something that should automatically pique the Cowboys’ interest.
The six-foot-three, nearly 300-pound defender comes without the injury concern of Gerald McCoy and without the significant dip in production that Hayward Jr. has had since 2017. He has also proved remarkably durable for a player of his size, playing in at least 15 games in every season since 2015.
The former first-round draft pick would also, like the previous two players in this article, add a veteran presence to a relatively young defense.
It is not often that a team can address one of its biggest needs this late in free agency with a quality player who is both durable and experienced. That is exactly the opportunity that has been presented to the Dallas Cowboys with the Browns releasing Sheldon Richardson. Let’s hope the Dallas front office sees it this way as well.