Dallas Cowboys: 4 Free agents to sign before 2021 training camp

1. Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle

There have been a few times in the past where the Dallas Cowboys were linked to Sheldon Richardson. A first-round pick of the New York Jets back in 2013, he was known for his incredible mix of size and athleticism. He spent time as a defensive end as well as a pass-rushing linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 system — and at nearly 300-pounds, that made him very intriguing at linebacker.

When it became apparent he was on the way out in New York, Dallas was a team said to be interested. A trade never came to fruition as he was sent to Seattle instead ahead of the 2017 season. Richardson then hit the open market in 2018 and while the Cowboys were again mentioned as a landing spot, he wound up in Minnesota with the Vikings.

After one season there, he signed with the Cleveland Browns on a three-year deal. He was released ahead of this season in a cost-cutting move but in two campaigns with the Browns he had 126 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

He proved to be their most consistent defensive tackle and their most durable defensive lineman. Cleveland will miss his production and the team has even said they would like him back if the price was right.

Richardson is likely holding out for more money and at 30-years of age, he surely knows he doesn’t have a lot of time left in his career so he wants to make the right move.

If Dallas could convince him to finally join their team, it would be a huge boost for them. He would instantly become their best defensive tackle and would be a great mentor for younger players such as Neville Gallimore and Osa Odigjizuwa.

The best defenses always start in the trenches and Richardson is a player who can still get the dirty work done, making him well worth signing ahead of camp.