Ex-Seahawks DT Sheldon Richardson signs 1-year deal with Vikings
Mar 16, 2018, 1:04 PM | Updated: 4:41 pm
(AP)
Any chance of re-signing Sheldon Richardson ended for the Seahawks Friday when the Vikings signed the 27-year-old Pro Bowl defensive tackle to a one-year deal, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
To re-capture NFC West, Seahawks need investment on offense
The Vikings made it official shortly after Friday afternoon.
Making it official. #Skol pic.twitter.com/upyie2FuLy
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2018
Richardson is the most recent of a number of Seahawks free agents to sign elsewhere; the team also lost tight end Jimmy Graham (signed by the Packers), wide receiver Paul Richardson (signed by Washington) and cornerback DeShawn Shead (signed by the Lions).
The Seahawks’ enter 2018 with big holes on the defensive line after a trade of Michael Bennett, and potential loss of defensive end Cliff Avril. Defensive tackle Malik McDowell, the Seahawks’ second-round pick from 2017, has yet to play a down since suffering a serious offseason injury. The loss of Richardson leaves the Seahawks with two returning defensive tackles: Jarran Reed, and second-year player Nazair Jones.
Richardson, 27, came to Seattle as part of a 2017 trade that sent wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to the Jets. In 15 starts, he recorded an interception, a sack, and 29 tackles.
Get the latest updates with our Seahawks’ 2018 free-agency tracker.