Vikings Rumors: Sheldon Richardson could return to Minnesota
By Adam Patrick
Included in the latest Minnesota Vikings rumors spreading around is a possible return to the Twin Cities for defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The middle of June typically isn’t the time in which a bunch of Minnesota Vikings rumors pop up, but Monday is turning out to be a fairly active day for the purple and gold.
Not only did the Vikings reportedly convince Danielle Hunter to agree to a re-worked contract, but the team could also be bringing back an old friend to their locker room.
After spending the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson could reportedly return to Minnesota for the upcoming 2021 campaign according to The Vikings Wire’s Jack Day on Monday.
Vikings Rumors: Sheldon Richardson would give Minnesota amazing depth on the defensive line
When Richardson was released by the Browns a few weeks ago, no one really thought a return to the Vikings would be a possibility for him since the top of their defensive tackle depth chart is currently occupied by Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce.
But if Richardson is open to assuming more of a backup role in 2021, then he would be a great addition to Minnesota’s roster. Having him on the defensive line next season would allow the Vikings to keep Tomlinson and Pierce fresh each week, and if one of these two were to miss time due to injury in 2021, Richardson could easily fill in as a starter.
With the Browns last season, the former Minnesota defensive tackle appeared in all 16 games (including two playoff matchups), and he finished with 64 tackles (five for a loss), 22 pressures, 10 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
So he is clearly still capable of being a starter at this point in his NFL career. But at 30-years-old now, maybe Richardson is looking to just be a part of a team that could contend in 2021.
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The Vikings’ chances to be a contender in the NFC would certainly increase if Richardson agrees to return. This is definitely something to keep an eye on for the next few days.