Sheldon Richardson‘s release shocked many of the Cleveland Browns fans.
Earlier in the offseason, his contract and lack of dead cap impact prompted some speculation it could happen.
But Andrew Berry capped off his free agency period with Jadeveon Clowney and still had cap space.
Many fans thought the Browns’ GM successfully filled the holes on his defense without having to cut anyone.
We've released DT Sheldon Richardson
Details » https://t.co/dO4UBfHmBo pic.twitter.com/ES5lFwQYs3
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 16, 2021
That made the late cut a surprising and disappointing action in the eyes of many.
One of those disappointed was head coach Kevin Stefanski, judging from his comments to the press this week.
“As a coach, I want to keep everybody, [but] there are some salary cap constraints that I think everybody understands and they are hard decisions,’’ he said. “Sheldon in particular played really productive football for us. He played through injuries, and he took great pride in getting to the playoffs for the first time in his career. He was a big part of that. I hope there’s a scenario [where he can come back], but those are the hard decisions that are made. I really want to point out that Sheldon was such a big part of what we did last year.”
Stefanski went on to mention that Richardson, who never missed a game for the Browns, played through injuries.
Last year was the first time in his career the 30-year-old Richardson played in a playoff game.
In his comments, the coach told reporters the Richardson decision was particularly difficult.
Could Richardson Return To The Browns?
Stefanski did not say whether Berry tried to renegotiate Richardson’s contract.
But it stands to reason he was offered a chance to stay at a lower salary, and possibly with an extension.
Richardson played at a high level last season, possibly as well as he has played in his career.
Cleveland would love to have him on the team, but at a salary closer to the $5 million mark.
Berry certainly threw a number that works for the team at Richardson’s agent.
Don't rule out the #Browns working out a new deal and re-singing Sheldon Richardson, like the Steelers did with Vince Williams
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) April 16, 2021
Then he released the popular tackle to seek a better deal elsewhere,
Such a deal probably won’t be announced before the draft as teams look for an answer there.
But many draft scouts are unimpressed with the depth of the interior defensive line pool this season.
Teams in need of a quick impact will kick the tires on Richardson.
If Richardson wants to play for another team, Houston, Detroit, and Chicago could be in play.
But if he wants another taste of the playoffs, Green Bay and Cleveland are his best bets.
Nobody Knows What Richardson Wants
Richardson posted a heartbreaking Instagram post, saying Cleveland was just beginning to feel like home.
In a dramatic development, Richardson would not be the first player this year to actually want to play for the Browns.
Last year’s playoff experience certainly left him with the taste for more.
But how much of a pay cut is the seasoned veteran willing to take?
#Browns Sheldon Richardson on IG says goodbye to Cleveland. “It was just starting to feel like home.” pic.twitter.com/dh2jqDiTT0
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) April 16, 2021
Another issue is Richardson’s career plans as a 30-plus-year-old player?
Retirement thoughts could affect his decision, and hopes of retiring with a Super Bowl help Cleveland.
But he shows no signs of slowing down and it is not unheard of for defensive tackles to play into their 30s.
Richardson might still land a 3-year deal with any number of teams.
And the truth is, nobody is playing their hands beyond the mutual expressions of appreciation.
This means Browns fans simply have to wait and see if Richardson lands back in Cleveland.
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I BELIEVE…….Anyone who knows Football and this even newer version of “No Loyalty” to the bulk of the players, it’s just business, knows football sucks in comparison to the decades of old. Owners expect loyalty from the fans and the players we care about, but they cut our favorites like Sheldon or force them to take pay cuts. Both SUCK!!
I know Sheldons one of the BIG DAWGS ON THIS TEAM and countless fans REALLY love his game. In fact he is my FAVORITE UP FRONT. He hustles, he fights Andy he produces. Sheldon is the glue upfront and he plays hurt !! That’s the mistake these guys make. They not only give their all out on the field, frequently, they play hurt which jeopardizes their future incomes.
Here is the problem and the big travesty in the NFL for the players, I believe, Demaurice F Smith, sold them out and continues to sell them out. What a joke his going on 13 yr leadership reign has been. I believe he is like the Dictator, lining his own pockets along with his countless family members at the cost and expense of the Veteran Players. Don’t buy his propaganda.
Big Dawg (Sheldon) and any other veterans getting shafted, like Sheldon, listen up!! Smith is the reason you and countless other all pro veterans are getting shafted, by cap cuts and renegotiations. Look into his almost 13 year dictatorship and see how well he and his family are paid. Then really analyze “who is he helping”. The Players or THE OWNERS !!!
Lol, I believe he works for them.
We love you in CLEVELAND, YOUR TEAMMATES LOVE YOU, THE COACHING STAFF OF THE BROWNS LOVES YOU AND YOU HAVE A SHOT AT A LEGIT SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR!!!! GO BE THE SUPER BOWL MVP. I’m praying and pulling for you and your family to stay here in Cleveland and for JIMMY TO DO THE RIGHT THING. I really think he will.
Suck up your pride; we all admire you and really want you back !!!! Settle for the best that Bum negotiated for you Vets!! Jeez what a horrible NFLPA you have BIG DAWG. Any Player Agent that disagrees, run from him, I believe him to be a traitor too.
Speaking about that Love ❤️ Above, Let me tell you who doesn’t love you or any of the NFL VETERANS getting cut because of the BS cap room propaganda. DEMAURICE F SMITH !! You know who he loves?? His PAYCHECKS and all of his families PAYCHECKS. You heard it here first, the NFLPA needs a new leader, a retired player like a RAY LEWIS, with a new Law Firm that answers to the players and their real General. Better yet TWO GENERALS. Because with the one guy you have now, I BELIEVE HE IS THE EPITOME OF THE PHRASE “POWER CORRUPTS AND ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY!!
I’m typing off the fly, but yes, two Generals, leading the NFLPA. A Ray Lewis / Peyton Manning type ( I believe they care about the players and the game) running the AFC and a Steve Young/ Mike Singletary type running the NFC.
Big Dawg, We love your game and in fact, in many of our minds your still a BROWN. Don’t sever that chord with your guys, your coaches or your fans just yet, because deep down I believe JIMMYS NO FOOL AND THE BIG DAWG IS COOL. SO JUST WAIT FOR YOUR TIME TO GET BACK INTO KEVINS SCHOOL. WE BOTH KNOW THAT LINE NEEDS ITS BIG POWER TOOL SO THE REST OF THE GUYS CAN KICK SOME ASS IN THE POOL. 😂 PEACE OUT BROTHER!