The Dallas Cowboys have made another roster move ahead of the August 26th deadline, trading away OL Asim Richards and a 7th round pick to the New Orleans Saints for a 6th round pick.
Richards, a former fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was viewed as a developmental lineman who offered versatility at both guard and tackle.
Despite his potential, the Cowboys opted to move on, capitalizing on the Saints’ need for depth across their offensive front.
The move comes as no surprise, given Dallas’ consistent willingness to deal from positions of depth in exchange for future assets.
Swapping late-round picks is while also sending a player seems odd for the Cowboys, but I suppose it’s better than the alternative, which would likely be releasing him for nothing.
The Saints, who have battled injuries and inconsistency along their offensive line in recent years, are likely betting on Richards’ upside as a long-term project who could push for a rotational role.
Good News for Nate Thomas
One of the more intriguing aspects of this trade is what it signals about the Cowboys’ confidence in second-year OL Nate Thomas.
A 7th round pick in 2024 who impressed throughout training camp, Thomas has quietly climbed the depth chart with his steady play and physical style.
Dallas’ decision to part ways with Richards suggests the staff believes Thomas is ready to step into the swing role or at least serve as a reliable backup option.
Thomas is expected to start at left tackle in place of the injured Tyler Guyton in Week 1 at Philadelphia.
Guyton is back working with the team, but his conditioning might not be up to par in time, and a more likely scenario is Week 2 against New York.
While the compensation for Richards is puzzling, the move underscores the Cowboys’ belief in their young talent while maintaining roster flexibility as final cuts approach.
