5 former players the Minnesota Vikings might miss in 2019

Sheldon Richardson – DT

It wasn’t too much of a surprise when Sheldon Richardson decided to leave the Vikings after one season and sign with the Cleveland Browns this year.

When Richardson signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in 2018, him leaving after the season to land a big-money deal elsewhere seemed like a very predictable outcome. Still, his absence on the defensive line will likely be felt by the Vikings in 2019.

With Minnesota last season, Richardson appeared in all 16 of the team’s games. He finished with 49 total tackles (six for a loss), 16 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks.

Taking over Richardson’s spot on the Vikings’ defense for 2019 is Shamar Stephen who signed with the team this offseason. Stephen has been solid during his NFL career, but his skill level is not as high as Richardson’s.

Minnesota has enough talent at other positions on their defense to make up for the loss of Richardson in 2019. But it still wouldn’t have hurt to have him on the roster for next season.