Cleveland Browns: 4 Possible targets in 2019 NFL free agency
By Adam Patrick
Sheldon Richardson, DT
This offseason, the Browns need to add players that will help improve their run defense that was among the NFL’s worst in 2018. Upgrading one of their starting defensive tackles through free agency this year is one way to try and fix this problem. While some may believe that Cleveland should go after three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, signing Richardson instead may actually be the better decision.
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Given that he is four years younger than Suh, Richardson would be a better option for the Browns if they are looking to find a longterm solution at defensive tackle this offseason.
With the Minnesota Vikings last year, Richardson started all 16 games and racked up 49 tackles (six for a loss), 16 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks. He also finished with the second-most quarterback pressures of any Vikings defender in 2018.
Richardson’s performance against the run wasn’t amazing last season, but he still proved that he can be a solid force in the middle of the defensive line. He was a part of a Minnesota defense in 2018 that ranked eighth in the league in yards allowed per carry.
Richardson has been suspended during his time in the NFL, but those incidents seem to be in his past as he hasn’t been in trouble with the law since 2015. If Cleveland were able to convince him to sign with them this year, he would be an immediate upgrade over what they currently have at defensive tackle.