There were rumors earlier in the offseason that the Cleveland Browns might bring back defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The organization cut him in order to save $11 million in cap space, but the two sides stayed in touch over the offseason.
However, it sounded like Richardson is ready to move on from the Browns.
The 30-year-old tackle has agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Vikings have signed DT Sheldon Richardson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2021
Richardson gets a one-year deal worth $3.6 million that can be worth up to $4.35 million with incentives.
Goodbye Richardson
The eight-year veteran spent one season in Minnesota before joining the Browns in 2018.
He was not cut by Cleveland due to poor performance, but the team saw an opportunity to save money and took it.
Through two seasons in Cleveland, Richardson recorded 126 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and four fumbles forced in 32 games.
Richardson might be a veteran player, but he still plays like the same player that won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Sheldon Richardson was not messing around. 😳 pic.twitter.com/hbIZuRXCJF
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 24, 2020
He was well worth his three-year deal worth $36 million, but sadly he didn’t play out his final year in Cleveland.
It’ll be interesting to see how much Richardson plays in Minnesota with Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce on the roster.
In 2018, Richardson recorded 49 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks through 16 games with the Vikings.
Minnesota didn’t give Richardson a hefty contract, so he’ll likely be a fantastic depth/rotational option for the team.
For the #Vikings and Sheldon Richardson, it's a one-year, $3.6 million deal that can be worth up to $4.35M with incentives, per source. Quickly utilizing the cap space they saved with Danielle Hunter's contract tweak to further fortify the defensive line.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 15, 2021
It’s a shame that Cleveland wasn’t able to bring him back, but it appears the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement.
Life Without Richardson
It’s official, both starting defensive tackles from 2020 will not be returning to Cleveland this season.
That means, fans will get to see some new faces at the defensive tackle spot.
Over the offseason, Cleveland brought in plenty of reinforcements, so training camp should be entertaining.
The organization has Andrew Billings and Jordan Elliott projected as the starters, but that could quickly change.
It’s worth noting that Cleveland has Malik Jackson, Tommy Togiai, Malik McDowell, and more as options at defensive tackle.
Time will tell if these players will offer the same amount of production as Richardson, but best of luck to him on the Vikings in 2021.
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