5 offseason decisions the Vikings should already be thinking about
By Adam Patrick
Re-signing Sheldon Richardson
After the Vikings were able to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency last March, many believed their big spending was over for the offseason. But then Minnesota struck a deal with free-agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson too and the smiles of Vikings fans grew even bigger.
Minnesota and Richardson only agreed to a one-year deal, so he will become an unrestricted free-agent, once again, in 2019.
Has the defensive tackle done enough already this year for the Vikings to consider re-signing him during the upcoming offseason? A bunch of people would answer that question with a yes.
Currently, Richardson has the second-most quarterback pressures of any Minnesota defender this year with 38 (which includes four sacks). He is also leading the Vikings right now with 10 quarterback hits this season.
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At his current pace, Richardson should end the year with his third-highest total for pressures in a single season.
In addition to his pass-rushing skills, the Minnesota defensive tackle has been impressive at stopping the run too. Richardson’s presence on the field is big reason why the Vikings’ defense is allowing the second-fewest yards per carry in the NFL this year.
It’s pretty hard to argue against the Vikings re-signing the talented defensive tackle in 2019. But if another team comes in and gives Richardson a big-time offer, it doesn’t seem likely that Minnesota would get in a bidding war over him his price becomes too high.