During the last few seasons Cowboys let the free agency pass by them. They weren’t making notable moves. The front office kept the money close to them, and have waited for the draft to be over to make their FA signings. After picking their primary needs through the draft selections, they filled the holes with cheap free agents.
This strategy is good, but it also has flaws. It only works if their selected draft players sign the second contract with the team. But even if things turn out perfectly, they still need free agents, and not only players with filler roles but ones that would stick with the squad in the long term.
For example, Cowboys didn’t make a single move this offseason. Unlike them, Seahawks are firing on all cylinders trying to create salary cap and get younger in the process. After releasing Richard Sherman and trading Michael Bennett to Eagles, they will probably part ways with WR Paul Richardson.
This wide receiver is 6-feet tall and has decent hands paired with perfect speed. This will make him a sought after FA. Tom Peliserro of the NFL.com claims Richardson market value is close to $8 million a year. What could lower his demand, and overall cost is his injury history. Before 2017 he had issues every year, but in his contract year he played out as many players do. When you divide his ability with his medical chart, you get a value of $6.3 million per year over four years. So, a four-year $26 million contract is what Paul will command on the open market.
Dallas will most likely wait to see what happens after the draft before making a move for Richardson. If teams chose to add receivers through the draft, his price would only decrease. Also, it’s worth mentioning that in 2014, when he first was entering the league, Cowboys had him over for a visit. So, there was mutual interest in the past, and there could be some in the future.
The issue, on the Big D side, is like always money. They already have a lot of money on their receivers. Take for example Dez Bryant’s contract. But adding Richardson makes sense. He, as a player, would add diversity to Cowboys offense. And in the draft, America’s Team could address other positions. The receiving corps consisting of Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, and Paul Richardson would be a definition of the Dak-friendly offense.
