Sheldon Richardson Reportedly Agrees to 1-Year Contract with Vikings

Sheldon Richardson is on the move once again, as he reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Richardson spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks after playing his first four years with the New York Jets. In both spots, the defensive tackle established himself as one of the top interior defenders in the NFL.

The 27-year-old was dominant in his first two years in the league, earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2013 before going to his only Pro Bowl in 2014. While he has slowed down a bit since—including a suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy in 2015—he remains an impact player when on the field.

Bleacher Report's Brandon Thorn ranked him as the No. 7 defensive tackle in the league during 2017 as part of the NFL1000 Series. Although he didn't always put up big numbers (44 tackles and one sack), Richardson excelled against both the pass and the run in 2017.

He even had his first career interception as a member of the Seahawks.

Richardson, who has also lined up as a defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker in his career, will now try to take his versatility and talent to a new location where he hopes to once again become a key player on the defense.

After starting 71 of his 73 regular-season games in his career, including all 15 in 2017, the veteran should expect no less with the Vikings next year.

Richardson will join the NFL's top defense in terms of yardage allowed, and he figures to start at defensive tackle alongside Linval Joseph since Tom Johnson hit free agency.