When Sheldon Richardson was traded from the New York Jets to the Seattle Seahawks, many believed he was joining one of the league’s best defenses and he would shine playing alongside the likes of Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner. Unfortunately, the Seahawks had a down season overall and Richardson personally had a down year coming off a 2016 Pro Bowl appearance.
Now he’s signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings to seemingly prove his worth going into free agency next year.
The #Vikings signed former #Seahawks DT Sheldon Richardson to a 1-year deal worth $8M base, source said, with $3M more available in incentives. Similar prove-it deal to Dontari Poe last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2018
Why a one-year deal? Richardson: “It’s better this way.” Best opportunity. Says he didn’t want to leave building because #Vikings have the best building in the league. “Smell like new paint don’t it?”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2018
Richardson made the Pro Bowl in 2016 as a member of the New York Jets and when he was sent to Seattle for Jermaine Kearse and a second round pick, people believed the Seahawks were getting a top defensive end. He has the talent but only produced 27 solo tackles and one sack on the season. Both career lows in seasons when he played at least 13 games. Hopefully, Minnesota can bring him back to form with their already formidable defense.
