New Vikings addition ranked as the most underrated free-agent signing of 2018
By Adam Patrick
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson topped Bleacher Report’s recent list of the most underrated free agency moves of the current offseason.
Everyone knows all about the first free-agent signing the Minnesota Vikings made this offseason in high-priced quarterback Kirk Cousins. Many believe that Cousins’ skills could be just what the Vikings need to finally get a Super Bowl win.
But Minnesota’s chances for a championship increased even more after their second free-agent signing of 2018.
A day after agreeing on a monster deal with Cousins, the Vikings signed free-agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to a one-year contract. Richardson is regarded by some around the NFL as one of the best at his position.
Minnesota’s acquisition of the talented defensive tackle this offseason could actually prove to be just as important as the addition of Cousins (if not more).
Recently, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport ranked the most underrated free agency moves of 2018. Davenport listed 10 players that signed with new teams this offseason and Richardson’s deal with the Vikings came in at number one.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s addition of the talented defensive tackle to an already dangerous defensive line is what led Davenport to making this decision.
"“The Vikings, who had the NFL’s No. 1 defense in 2017, now sport a front four that features a pair of ends with 15-sack ceilings in Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen, one of the league’s better nose tackles in Linval Joseph (who has topped 65 tackles two years running) and Richardson.That’s going to be a hard unit to beat in the trenches.And teams that win in the trenches win on the scoreboard.”"
The duo of Richardson and Joseph is definitely going to be a fun one to watch in 2018. Not since Kevin and Pat Williams have the Vikings had a pair of interior defensive lineman as talented as what they will be putting out on the field next season.
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Will Richardson and Joseph be able to do what no Minnesota defensive tackle duo has done before them and deliver the franchise it’s first ever Super Bowl win in 2018?