ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson will sign a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Richardson spent the first four years of his career with the New York Jets before playing the 2017 season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Former Seahawks’ and Jets’ DT Sheldon Richardson reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2018
Sheldon Richardson Joining Minnesota Vikings on One-Year Deal
Richardson was traded to the Seahawks prior to the start of the 2017 season. With just one year left on his contract, Richardson was expected to be another piece of that vaunted Seattle defense. Injuries limited the 2017 Seahawks to a 9-7 record, but Richardson was solid, if unspectacular, for the duration of the season.
Richardson was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and became an immediate contributor. A day one starter, Richardson played in all 16 games his rookie year while establishing himself as one of the best run stuffers in the league. His play earned praise league-wide, earning him the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Richardson’s best year of his career came in 2014. The Missouri product brought his game to another level, recording 66 tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. Richardson’s dominant performance was good enough to earn his first Pro Bowl nomination.
However, Richardson’s play has dropped from his 2014 form. He had a solid 2015 despite missing five games, but he hasn’t been his old self the previous two seasons. Richardson combined for just two and a half sacks over the past two seasons. He’s still capable of stopping the run, as evidenced by his 106 combined tackles over the past two seasons.
Richardson has dealt with a few off-the-field issues. The league suspended him for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating its substance abuse policy. He also served a one-game suspension to start the 2016 season after an off-season arrest in which he was eventually found guilty of reckless driving and resisting arrest.
This is the second contract of Richardson’s career after his rookie contract. Richardson has earned a total of $18.1 million over his first five years in the league, per OverTheCap.
