As the New York Jets consider what to do about Sheldon Richardson, the Kansas City Chiefs have surfaced as a destination that makes sense.
Time is running out on Sheldon Richardson’s tenure with the New York Jets. What once began as a very promising career with a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the talented defensive end has spiraled into a distracting player who is somehow expendable because of the other tremendous players along the same position. Only the Jets could afford to give up someone like Richardson along the defensive front, knowing there were still guys like Leonard Williams or Muhammad Wilkerson still in place.
Connor Hughes, writing for NJ.com, considered a few potential trade destinations for Richardson in a recent column and believes that the Kansas City Chiefs could be a possibility. He writes:
"Sheldon Richardson is born and raised in Missouri. He spends a significant amount of time there in the offseason. A trade to the Chiefs would be a coming-home party. The defense could use a guy of his caliber, too."
As a product of the Missouri Tigers as well as St. Louis native, this deal makes all kinds of sense for the Chiefs betting on a turnaround in behavior off the field and increased production on the field as Richardson enters his final season for the Jets. A contract year typically brings out the bet in any player and for Richardson that could be a Pro Bowl season.
The primary issue for the Chiefs would be what to do financially to make it fit. The Jets might have to take a comparable asset back in return. Allen Bailey, also a defensive lineman, makes around that amount and also comes with another year commitment around $8 million if the Jets wanted something cost-controlled. However a draft asset of which the Chiefs have plenty makes much more sense as trade bounty.