Richards’ trade to New Orleans signals Cowboys’ commitment to value-based moves on the OL. A fifth-round pick in 2023, he showed versatility but moves to a Saints depth chart that could leverage his tackle-hemi approach. Dallas clears roster space while New Orleans adds a young blocker under Moore’s system.

Asim Richards, a 2023 fifth-round pick from North Carolina, logged 21 games with Dallas and started once last season. He served as a fill-in at left tackle when Tyler Guyton was unavailable, but preseason penalties and Guyton’s injury opened a competition that Richards didn’t win, leading to the Saints trade and a late-round pick swap.

Asim Richards, 24, appeared in 21 games for Dallas over the last two seasons, providing depth on the offensive line. Traded to New Orleans for a 2028 seventh-round pick while Dallas nets a 2028 sixth-rounder, Richards offers youth and positional flexibility that could push for snaps if he adapts quickly to the Saints’ blocking schemes.

Richards is highlighted as a potential anchor for tackle depth in Dallas, especially if Adeniji’s status lingers or Adeniji misses time; his third-year frame and versatility could secure a crucial swing-OT/OG role in the 53-man roster context.

Richards drew two pre-snap penalties against the Rams by lining up incorrectly at right tackle, a microcosm of Dallas’s broader alignment discipline issues. The penalties cost yardage and tempo, and the team’s leadership emphasized coaching focus on proper formation to prevent repeat incidents. Resolving Richards’ alignment issues is pivotal to stabilizing Dallas’s early-down efficiency and protecting Dak Prescott from extended pockets.