Dallas Cowboys: 5 Realistic targets in 2019 NFL free agency
By Randy Gurzi
5. LaAdrian Waddle, OT, New England Patriots
Not to open any old wounds, but most Cowboys fans still remember the problems this team had when trying to replace Tyron Smith in 2017. Chaz Green and Byron Bell proved to be liabilities on the edge against the Atlanta Falcons and Dak Prescott spent the entire day on the turf because of that.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Heading into 2018, the Cowboys decided that wasn’t going to happen again. They went out and added Cameron Fleming, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. Fleming came in with 20 career starts and gave Dallas an experienced swing tackle. He started three games for the Cowboys and while he wasn’t exceptional, he did his job.
Now, Fleming enters free agency and Dallas could try and retain his services. Or they can look at another Patriots linemen set to hit the open market in LaAdrian Waddle. Like Fleming, Waddle served as a swing tackle for New England but actually has a few more starts as he’s done so 31 times in 61 games.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions out of Texas Tech, Waddle started 24 games in three seasons with the Lions before being cut. He was signed by the Patriots and has since had seven starts for them.
While his time in New England was limited, Waddle has plenty of experience and could serve as the swing tackle in 2019 should the Cowboys decide to let Fleming walk. This wouldn’t be a splash signing by any means, but it could be one that creates some much needed offensive line depth.