Denver Broncos Could Target Jets DL Sheldon Richardson In A Trade
By Steven Kriz
The Jets are reportedly shopping DL Sheldon Richardson. The Broncos tried to acquire him a year ago. Will they try again during the 2017 NFL Draft?
It’s no secret that the New York Jets have attempted to trade DL Sheldon Richardson. The Denver Broncos were connected to him last year at the trade deadline. The Broncos were again linked the Jets during the Broncos’ pursuit of Tony Romo.
Rumor has it that the Broncos inquired about Richardson in exchange for Trevor Siemian in the event that they were able to land Tony Romo. However, that never came to fruition as Romo retired and the Broncos proceeded forward with Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian. Rumors of Sheldon Richardson being shopped are once again picking up, and the Broncos are right in the thick of things.
#Jets have been making calls regarding a potential trade of DL Sheldon Richardson. This was their plan coming in. Won’t give him away, tho
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2017
The Broncos aren’t directly mentioned in this post by Rapoport, but it is no secret that they wouldn’t mind getting Richardson for a fair price. Domata Peko and Zach Kerr are nice depth additions, but Sheldon Richardson is a proven player in the NFL. He would be a shoe-in starter opposite Derek Wolfe at 3-4 defensive end.
From the Jets perspective, they have all sorts of incentive to move on from Richardson. He is entering the final deal of his rookie contract, and he isn’t going to be getting a contract extension from the Jets after they extended Muhammad Wilkerson last July. Richardson has had some documented issues in the Jets locker room, and the feeling on both sides is that a fresh start would be best for both parties.
Richardson does have some value though, which is why the Jets are still trying to move him. Look at this tweet from last November by Rich Cimini:
In addition to Cowboys, Jets also talked to Broncos about trading Sheldon Richardson, per @AdamSchefter. Offseason trade seems likely.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 7, 2016
Just connecting some dots here, the Broncos could absolutely try and go get Richardson. They still have the cap space available to absorb his $8 million salary after missing on Romo. Sheldon Richardson would immediately strengthen the defensive line which was a sore spot for all of 2016. If Denver could get Richardson for a late 3rd round pick, or 4th round pick, they wouldn’t need to use one of those picks on a defensive lineman.
Defensive line is a position that is one of the hardest to transition to the pro game from college. This is the reason it took Malik Jackson three years to become the player that landed a $14 million per year contract.
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The Broncos can, and should go after Sheldon Richardson. This draft should be about giving Paxton Lynch every last bit of help they possibly can. For the Broncos to compete for an AFC West title in 2017, Lynch will need it.
They addressed their left tackle position in day one of the draft. Rumor has it the Broncos would like to make a nice splash on day two. Joe Mixon, and Adam Shaheen are two play makers that could find their way on to the Broncos Roster. Adding Richardson would be better than any defensive lineman that they can walk away with before Saturday. It should be a no-brainer for the Broncos to use a little draft capital to go and get this guy.
Stay tuned to Predominantly Orange for more on this, and all your Broncos draft coverage needs.