What’s Sheldon Richardson’s market value?
By jonfox
Could the star defender for the Jets be on the move and what could the Jets get for him?
With the Jets’ 2016 season circling the toilet bowl thanks to yet another anemic offense, could Sheldon Richardson be on his way out of town? He has a moveable contract. The Jets already have three quality defensive linemen.
And Richardson has had his fair share of off the field issues.
Richardson is making less than 2 million in base salary in 2016 but that figure jumps up to almost 9 million in 2017. He becomes a free agent in 2018 so any team that makes an offer for him will have to splash some cash or be a team looking for a piece to build a great defense around or both.
There is some scheme limitation, Richardson probably is limited to a 3-4 or hybrid defensive team. He could play the 1 or the 3 in a 4-3 but it’s hard to see him staying with a team that did that.
So without further ado, the potential trade partners for Richardson. What they could offer and ranked in order of likelihood.
1. Cleveland Browns
Their offer: a 2nd in 2017 and a conditional 2018 pick depending on whether Richardson stays. Why would they do it? They have some interesting defensive pieces to work with but no cornerstone player in their front 7.
Danny Shelton is improving in year 2, but if they were to put out a defensive line of Richardson-Shelton-Nassib, that could be something to build around.
Why will this probably happen? It’s hard to see Richardson taking a chance that the Browns will be a contender.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Their offer: a 2nd rounder in 2017. Why would they do it? They need defensive talent to build around since Bowman is probably the next 49ers defender to retire before his time.
Armstead and Buckner are two really good young 5s but with Ian Williams headed for free agency, Richardson could slot in as a 0 tackle and thrive. The 49ers also have a ton of cap room now and next season to give Richardson a Wilkerson type contract.
Why will this probably not happen? It would be a very bold move for a GM who doesn’t seem to like them.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Their offer: Phillip Dorsett and a 2nd rounder in 2017. Why would they do it? They need to shake things up because their roster is stuck in a loop of mediocrity. It will also give them a couple nice bodies on their defensive line, but no one in the front 7 who can take over a game.
They also have enough cap room in 2017 to make the move without scrambling their plan, no matter what their GM says.
Why will this probably not happen? Their GM can’t admit failures.
4. Chicago Bears
Their offer: Will Sutton and a 2nd round pick in 2017. Why would they do it? The Bears need more quality from their defensive line for Fangio. Bullard could be good, but needs time. Goldman is an enigma. Hicks is hit and miss. Richardson+Bullard+Goldman is very interesting for the NFC north.
This isn’t a trajectory-changing move for the Bears. They still have major injury issues and consistency issues to deal with, but it would give opposing teams something to scheme for. Especially if they can get something from Eddie Goldman.
Why will this probably not happen? Why do it now when the team can get a top 10 pick, then deal for him in the offseason?
The odds are that Richardson isn’t going to be dealt during the season. The Jets probably can’t get fair value for him. And if they can find a spark on offense, they should have all the talent on hand to see if they can improve.