2018 NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 15 players
15. Sheldon Richardson, DE/DT, Seattle Seahawks
2017 Salary: $8,069,000
Where he will sign: Seattle Seahawks
Arguably one of the top interior defenders set to hit the market this offseason, Sheldon Richardson will have his phone ringing off the hook if he makes it that far. Unfortunately for other teams, that simply won’t be the case.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t give up a quality wide receiver and a 2018 second-round pick for Richardson just to let him walk. Especially with their need for an interior pass rush still present, it’s going to be imperative for them to find a way to retain him in the coming months.
Although the stat sheet may not reflect it, Richardson has made a tremendous impact in Seattle this season. Even with only one sack on the season, he’s done a great job of providing a reliable interior push and clogging running lanes. Suffice it to say, the Seahawks have gotten their money’s worth out of the former New York Jet.
Seattle isn’t expected to have bountiful salary cap space to spend in 2018. While that may be the case, this team must find a way to re-sign Richardson, especially with Cliff Avril facing an uncertain future. The Seahawks need to keep their near-elite defense intact, and bringing Richardson back would help achieve that.