NFL rumors: Sheldon Richardson moves one step closer to free agency
By Matt Conner
The Seattle Seahawks are apparently ready to let Sheldon Richardson hit the market rather than placing the franchise tag on the defensive lineman.
Sheldon Richardson just moved one step closer to hitting free agency with the news that John Schneider, the longtime general manager for the Seattle Seahawks, has decided the team will not use the franchise tag on the defensive lineman.
Despite the fact that Schneider just traded for Richardson only six months ago, Schneider is potentially going to allow the former New York Jets lineman to leave in free agency—or at the very least to allow other teams to set his market.
It’s important to note that Schneider certainly didn’t close the door on bringing back Richardson, for whom he traded a 2nd round choice in this year’s NFL Draft as well as wide receiver Jermaine Kearse. He added the words “at this point” when discussing the tag, and there’s also the transition tag, which would allow the Seahawks to match any deal or receive draft-day compensation for their loss instead. And, if Richardson wanted to come back, the two sides could agree on a deal even after free agency opens.
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While it’s not out of the question for Richardson to suit up for the Seahawks in 2018 and beyond, other teams will be glad to hear that the franchise tag is not being used. It means Richardson is one step closer to free agency, and teams with a definite need up front, a la the Kansas City Chiefs, will likely be very interested should Richardson wiggle free from the Seahawks’ grasp.
Richardson is a former second round pick of the Jets who would enjoy a homecoming of sorts if he played for the Chiefs. He played for the University of Missouri and was born in St. Louis, so the area is certainly familiar to him. In addition, the Chiefs employ Bob Sutton as their defensive coordinator, the same man who served as Richardson’s coach during his rookie year with the Jets. Sutton left the following year to join Andy Reid in Kansas City.
Just two years ago, Richardson would have been listed among the young elite defensive linemen in the NFL. After a couple suspensions and legal run-ins, his stock has fallen off a bit, but he’s likely taken a bigger hit in terms of perception of his play than he should have. Just last year, Pro Football Focus credited him with 36 quarterback pressures, third on the Seahawks and all from an interior position. That sort of push would give the Chiefs a much needed boost along the line and would represent an upgrade over Bennie Logan, who is also a free agent.