3 Available NFL Free Agents Cowboys Must Pursue After Week 6

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a disappointing 26-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but remain in good position to make a run at the playoffs.

The loss puts them behind the eight ball in the NFC East, but there's still plenty of time for them to improve, catch up to the Eagles and beat them when they meet again in Week 16.

Of course, there are methods of improvement beyond the experience that comes with playing together. The Cowboys still have some avenues to improve the roster. While the looming trade deadline is what will be covered the most over the coming weeks, there are still some free agents who are capable contributors.

Based on what the Cowboys need and the weaknesses they have, these three veterans are worth giving a call.

CB A.J. Bouye

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Carolina Panthers cornerback A.J. Bouye plays against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

The Cowboys defense has been stout to this point in the year. Anthony Brown is having a strong year despite limited ball production. He has no interceptions and just three passes defended but is surrendering a passer rating of just 86.6.

The concern is with the depth at the cornerback position. Brown was asked to play 100 percent of the snaps against the Eagles. He's played every snap this season so far while Trevon Diggs is No. 2 at 97.6 percent.

There isn't a lot of experience behind Brown and Diggs. If either of them were to suffer an injury, the Cowboys would likely be rolling with DaRon Bland or Kelvin Joseph.

Either one might be ready to jump into that kind of role, but it doesn't hurt to have an experienced option who can fill in when necessary.

A.J. Bouye is one of the best options left on the free-agent market. The 31-year-old is likely on the downside of his career, but he did make seven starts last year and limited opposing receivers to 7.2 yards per target.

As the playoff race intensifies, the Cowboys are better off covering their bases now rather than scrambling for a solution if/or when Diggs or Brown goes down.

DT Sheldon Richardson

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (90) in action against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-31. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

There are few weak spots on the Cowboys' defense. Dan Quinn has built a strong unit, but it continues to be evident that the team could use reinforcements on the interior of the defensive line.

Osa Odighizuwa is ranked 46th of all interior defenders by PFF, but Quinton Bohanna—who started alongside Odighizuwa against the Eagles—ranks 113th out of 121. Neville Gallimore isn't much better with a grade of 47.7.

Dallas has plenty of depth on the edges. Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Sam Williams are all capable of playing at defensive end and rushing the passer.

It would make sense for the Cowboys to balance out their defensive line with a bigger body who can help defend the run.

Sheldon Richardson is a great candidate. The 6'3", 290-pounder has the ability to play anywhere from 1-technique to 5 and even offers a little bit of pass-rush help. He has seven sacks over his last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.

Richardson is only 31 and is coming off a productive season as a rotational player for the Vikings. There's no reason he can't provide a similar service for Dallas.

WR T.Y. Hilton

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton pulls in a catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The return of Dak Prescott is an exciting development for the passing game. However, there's still a dearth of difference-making receivers for the Cowboys.

CeeDee Lamb has taken over as the No. 1 receiver in the offense, but after that, it's been a disappointing picture of production. Michael Gallup is still clearly working his way back from the knee injury that cost him the beginning of the season.

He only caught two of his seven targets against the Eagles for 18 yards. And after him, the Cowboys have a void at receiver.

James Washington still hasn't returned from the injured reserve. Jalen Tolbert has not been as advertised as a rookie.

If the Cowboys want to help Prescott lift the passing game, they may have to look to add another target.

The trade market might be an option, but if the Cowboys don't want to give up any draft capital, it would make sense to reach out to T.Y. Hilton.

The veteran receiver doesn't have the same blazing speed he once did, but he's still a savvy veteran with good hands and would add a reliable target to Prescott's arsenal.