Thankfully Jets Kept Sheldon Richardson
My biggest fear this offseason has been eased when the New York Jets picked up the fifth year option on defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. This is a great decision by them because he shouldn’t be allowed to go into free agency. He already has 16.5 sacks in his 1st 3 seasons with the Jets after they selected him 13th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft from Missouri. He is so explosive and such a difference maker that he recorded five sacks last season in only 11 games even though he missed the 1st 4 games due to the PED suspension and 2 games because of injuries.
| Source: www.stltoday.com/sports/football/nfl-notes-jets-pick-up-option-on-sheldon-richardson/article_2863f4b0-51ec-5249-8787-54d3d5673263.html | |
Impressive.
Richardshon is a vital part of the Jets defensive line along with Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Even though he is entering his 4th season with this team, he is still young at 25 years of age. The New York Jets would be fools to let this young talented star walk away from them. There is just no other player like him, neither in free agency or the upcoming draft.
For the longest I never understood why the Jets kept Calvin Pace when he seemed so old and was outplayed on the field. And he isn’t near as talented as Richardson. Thankfully, the Jets kept Richardson for one more year. The next step is to make sure he continues to be healthy and productive and for the Jets and Richardson to come to a long-term contract agreement. Preferably a five-year contract that keeps him here for a long time during his prime years exactly as he turns 30 years old. After that a more reasonable contract can be discussed taking into account his age and productivity at that point. Fingers crossed.
