Jason Cole of B/R spoke to two teams who indicated that they’re interested in trading for Jets DL Sheldon Richardson, but neither would offer very much for him at this point in time.
According to Cole, the executives both said they would be willing to part with a fourth-round pick for Richardson. Although, the executives did say they would consider a conditional 2018 pick instead that could end up being higher based on his play and whether they’re able to sign him to a long-term contract.
Unfortunately, Cole doesn’t offer any specifics regarding which teams are interested in a trade for Richardson.
Last we heard regarding the subject, Rich Cimini of ESPN mentioned that the Jets will “almost certainly” attempt to Richardson this offseason, as it would make sense for them to try to get something in return for him now, as opposed to losing him as a free agent next year and waiting to get a compensatory pick in 2019.
Richardson is clearly a talented player, but he’s also coming off of a disappointing 2016 season in which he produced just 1.5 sacks and there are concerns about his character and the fact that he’s previously been suspended.
The Jets reportedly spoke with the Cowboys last year, so it’s possible that they could resume trade talks in the coming months.
Richardson, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Jets back in 2013. He played out his the final year of his four-year, $10.054 million rookie contract but the Jets elected to pick up his fifth-year option last year, which means he’s under team control through the 2017 season and will make a bases salary of $8.069 million.
According to OverTheCap.com, trading Richardson would free up $8,069,000 of available cap space while creating no dead money.
In 2016, In 2016, Richardson appeared in 15 games for the Jets and recorded 62 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two recoveries and two pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 31 edge defender out of 109 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a potential Richardson trade as the news is available.
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