In an effort to maintain their formidable defense, the Seattle Seahawks traded wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a second-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson last offseason. Now they are left with the challenge of re-signing the piece they acquired prior to the 2017 NFL season.
There has been speculation that Richardson would be a potential candidate to be hit with the franchise tag. However, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, that does not seem likely at this point:
The Panthers are more likely to tag K Graham Gano than standout G Andrew Norwell, while the Seahawks want to keep DL Sheldon Richardson long-term… but a tag is unlikely.
Seattle has been notoriously unwilling to hand out the franchise tag in recent years. Kicker Olindo Mare in 2010 was the last Seahawks player to receive the tag.
But just because the Seahawks are not expected to place the franchise tag on Richardson does not mean he is going to walk by any means. Instead, it seems the Seahawks are more focused on getting a long-term deal done this offseason.
Given all that they had given up for him, it only makes sense for Seattle to keep him around for the time being. Fortunately, Richardson reciprocated that notion following the 2017 NFL season when he said he expected to stay.
Regardless, the clock is ticking for Seattle to get a deal done before the March 6 deadline to use tags. Should both sides be unable to come to an agreement by then, it is likely that they will tag Richardson. His salary would then earn him up to $14 million for the 2018 NFL season.
Despite his underwhelming numbers, it is clear that the Seahawks value Richardson as the anchor of their defense moving forward.
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