CALCULATED GAMBLING
The name Sheldon Richardson evokes mixed emotions among NFL fans, particularly in the New York area. On the one hand he’s known for being somewhat of a malcontent. He’s been fined for getting in fights on the field while also earning suspensions and arrests for marijuana use. To say nothing of questions regarding his effort level. On the other many see him as a talented, young defensive lineman who can be ultra-disruptive.
Between 2014 and 2015 he notched 13 sacks in just 27 games and made his first Pro Bowl. Even though his stats took a dip this past season (as did the entire Jets roster), some argue he was just as effective as previous years. Randy Lange of the Jets’ team website explained how in detail.
“Richardson by my count totaled 20 tackles for loss/no gain (on runs and receptions, not including sacks) and 13 tackles for loss (weeding out the zero gains). Those numbers are exceptional in recent Jets history. I’ve never charted a 20-TFLNG season since 1995 (Bart Scott’s 18.5 in 2010 was the previous high) nor another double-digit TFL season since 2004 (Muhammad Wilkerson’s 9.5 in ’14 was the top mark).
Richardson’s highlights: He had two tackles for loss plus one sack in the Game 8 win over the Ravens, and his season high was 3.5 tackles for loss/no gain on New Year’s Day vs. the Bills.”
So why would Richardson be available for trade? It starts with the issues listed above. It seems the young defensive lineman isn’t happy with the current state of the Jets franchise. He hasn’t been shy about saying so either. That might not entice Bears fans too much until they realize it came in his criticism of teammate Brandon Marshall for calling out the team during an ugly loss to Indianapolis.
From @Connor_J_Hughes: Sheldon Richardson on Jets' fractured locker room: 'A cat's true colors came out' https://t.co/zRzdfSIXTY
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) January 2, 2017
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So it’s apparent he isn’t a fan of infighting and also wants to win. That’s good. Then there is the more practical issue for New York: money. The Jets are about to be in a serious salary cap crunch. According to overthecap.com, they are projected to be $7.6 million over the cap limit in 2017. Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Having already given Muhammad Wilkerson a big $86 million extension, the odds are they won’t do the same for him.
That gives them one of two options. Either they let his contract run out and he becomes a free agent. Or they attempt to trade him this off-season and try to get something in return.
