2017 Raiders Offseason: Trading for DT Richardson
New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is once again in NFL trade rumors. Richardson is reportedly available after a down 2016 season, and pending contract negotiations once his deal expires after this year. Rumors say that the Jets may want a first or second round selection for Richardson. New York may utilize a Richardson trade to acquire another young quarterback via an additional first or second round pick. As for the Raiders, their biggest need is on the interior defensive line.
Head coach Jack Del Rio infamously said his defensive line did not get enough push inside after the season was over. Would Richardson help the Raiders address their need on the interior defensive line? Here are three reasons why the Raiders should trade for Sheldon Richardson. Price tag Yes, Raiders GM Reggie loves his draft picks. Thus, he’s been wary of trading a pick for a player in the past. However, McKenzie might not have to lose a draft pick.
Recently, the Philadelphia Eagles completed a trade for Timmy Jernigan that only cost them moving a few slots down in the third round. Jernigan and Richardson’s career stats are similar so maybe the Raiders will only have to swap first or second round picks for the Jets’ second or third round picks. Moving down a few picks in the draft and getting Richardson is a bargain. The Raiders don’t have a consensus pick in any Mock Drafts anyways. Oakland’s draft needs are flexible enough to move down. Moreover, it was rumored that teams might not want to trade more than a fourth round selection for Richardson. Again, a bargain opportunity for the Raiders. Richardson should be immediately better than any second or third round pick.
Versatility Richardson has experience playing as an edge linebacker and defensive end. He’s also been a two-gapping interior lineman. Oakland needs all of the above. Their defense is versatile enough to utilize Richardson as an edge and interior rusher. Richardson could slide inside for passing situations. This could allow Richardson to use his speed against guards, which should lead to some quarterback pressures as a defensive tackle.
Remember, Oakland finished last in sacks last season. They desperately need some pass rush help opposite of Khalil Mack. Richardson has the versatility to fit the Raiders defense. He might also help Mario Edwards Jr. and Jihad Ward improve as athletic linemen. Long-term fit Richardson does come with his downfalls. He was involved in an off-field incident last offseason. Raiders fans are still mourning Aldon Smith’s exile due to his off field incidents. Oakland may not want to gamble on another Missouri alumnus with off field question marks. Added, the Raiders would have to figure out Richardson’s long term contract.
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McKenzie has to start handing cash out to Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, Gabe Jackson and more. He might not have the long term means to keep Richardson. Then again, the Raiders may just acquire Richardson and let him play out his deal. It might become a mercenary move. Either way, Richardson is 26-years-old. That means he could be a long term fixture on the Raiders defense. Ultimately, history proves that the Raiders will probably pass on Richardson. McKenzie has not shown interest in moving his picks for players. Nonetheless, the Raiders should heavily consider Sheldon Richardson. Richardson has 18 sacks and 142 tackles in his four year career. He made a Pro Bowl in 2014 and he could make more with the Silver and Black.
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