The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2017, nearly carrying them to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1970s. That unit just got even scarier with the signing of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The Vikings announced the one-year deal on Friday afternoon, and according to Yahoo! Sports' Jordan Schultz, it's worth $11 million.
Richardson will now compliment defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffin for a line that has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Without him, they were already second against the run in 2017, regularly stuffing opposing rushing attacks while compiling a 13-3 record.
If it wasn't for Richardson's off-the-field issues, he'd probably still be with the New York Jets. After four seasons with Gang Green (with included a pair of suspensions), New York traded him to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a second-round pick. The Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos also had interest in acquiring him at the time.
While Richardson played well in Seattle, their defense struggled throughout the season, leading to the franchise missing the playoffs for the first time since 2011. As they overhaul their roster this offseason (headlined by releasing superstar cornerback Richard Sherman), the Seahawks also decided to let him walk.
Richardson is keeping tabs on his former teams that didn't offer him the long-term contract he was hoping for. From the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero:
Vikings have the Jets on the schedule this year. Richardson’s reaction? “They gotta come see me. Seattle too.”
If he succeeds with the Vikings and keeps his act together, he should be able to land a longer deal next offseason.
Follow Us
Subscribe