New York Jets: Would Sheldon Richardson reunion make sense?
The New York Jets released Muhammad Wilkerson, and they should at least entertain the idea of brining back former defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson.
The New York Jets traded Sheldon Richardson to the Seattle Seahawks, and in return they got Jermaine Kearse and Seattle’s second round pick. Richardson will hit the free agent market in 2018, and there are rumblings (which began before the season ended) that he might return to Gang Green.
The first person to break the story was Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Apparently, the feeling of a desired return is mutual.
"The Jets aren’t the only ones who want a reunion, according to team and league sources. My understanding is that Richardson, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, would love to return to the team that drafted him, too."
Let’s examine the plusses and minuses of a Richardson return to the Big Apple.
Off the field issues that led to the trade
Richardson was suspended twice while with the Jets in 2015-16. In 2015, he was suspended for violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy. That means he was on his third strike, because an initial violation doesn’t lead to a suspension.
The following year, he was suspended again following reports of a high speed police chase. There was a 12-year old and a loaded gun in the car, and according to police, there was a smell of marijuana (this after testing positive for marijuana in 2015).
On the field in 2017
Richardson seemed to show on the field improvement from 2016 to 2017. According to Pro Football Focus Elite, among the defensive tackles who played in at least half of his teams snap, Richardson ranked 15th against the run and seventh against the pass. Richardson will only be 28 years old by the end of 2018. So, age shouldn’t be an issue.
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Final decision
If both parties want this, and Richardson is truly on the straight and narrow, then the Jets should consider bringing him back. The Jets need his run and pass production up front, and his addition could help shift draft focus to other key needs on defense, namely edge rusher and shutdown cornerback.
By bringing him back, they essentially get a second round draft pick for nothing. So, it’s a win-win for a team that needs some offseason wins in their pocket.