NFL CAREER: Richards is a third-year offensive lineman that was originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round (169th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 21 games with one start for the Cowboys in his career, but after being acquired by New Orleans via trade, he looks to be a valuable piece along their offensive line.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Traded for a sixth-round pick in 2028 from the Dallas Cowboys to the New Orleans Saints, 08/26/25…Signed to a four year rookie contract after being selected in the fifth round (169th overall) by the Cowboys, 05/12/23.
2024 – Saw action in 13 games, making one start at left tackle…Missed four games due to a high-ankle sprain…Made his first NFL start against Philadelphia, 11/10/24…Saw significant time at left tackle in the season finale against Washington, 1/05/25, blocking for an offense that totaled 378 net yards with 150 yards on the ground. 2023 – Played in eight games as a rookie on offense and special teams…Made his NFL debut in the second half on offense in the season opener at the New York Giants.
COLLEGE: Was a four-year letterman for the North Carolina Tarheels on the offensive line…Appeared in 48 games with 38 starts for the Tarheels and consistently blocked for offenses that ranked in the top three in the ACC in average yards-per-game…In 2020, they set a school record, ranking first in the ACC and fifth in the nation, by averaging 537.3 yards per game, including 301.4 passing yards per game…Also ranked second in the ACC in that category in 2022 and 2019, and ranked third in the conference in 2021.
PERSONAL: Prepped at Haverford high school (Havertown, Pa.) and was a dual sport athlete, playing football and basketball…Was named to the All-USA Pennsylvania first-team as a senior offensive tackle in 2018…Played tight end and on the defensive line throughout high school, posting 133 tackles, 13.0 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in four years…Born on Oct. 2, 2000 in Philadelphia, Pa.
