Should the Minnesota Vikings re-sign Sheldon Richardson?

Was the defensive tackle’s performance in 2018 good enough for the Minnesota Vikings to offer him a long-term deal with the team this offseason?

Following the signing of free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins last March, most Minnesota Vikings fans were already pretty satisfied with their favorite team’s offseason haul. But the Vikings were not finished with making splash moves in free agency after adding Cousins to their roster.

Not only was Minnesota able to upgrade their quarterback position, but the team also landed arguably the top defensive free-agent available last offseason in Sheldon Richardson.

After spending his first five seasons with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings were able to convince Richardson that a one-year, $8 million deal would be worth his time. Adding the talented defensive tackle proved to be one of Minnesota’s best decisions from last offseason.

Richardson appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings in 2018 and he racked up 50 tackles (six for a loss), 16 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks.

Was his performance due to him knowing he would be a free-agent once again in 2019? It certainly is possible, but re-signing Richardson may be a risk that Minnesota is willing to take.

Currently with a limited amount of cap space, re-signing the defensive tackle may be one of the few big moves the Vikings will make this offseason.

Is keeping Richardson around something that should be a top priority for Minnesota? Or would the Vikings be better off using their money elsewhere and finding a cheap replacement instead?