The league has suspended Jets DE Sheldon Richardson 4 games for violating its substance-abuse policy. Barring a successful appeal, that benches Richardson for season-opening matchups with the Browns, Colts, Eagles and Dolphins. It takes away a run-defense pillar and solid pass rusher from a defense that many expect to push for top-5 fantasy status this year. Rookie Leonard Williams, the #6 overall pick, could fill in for Richardson, though, and keep the D from losing much in run D. (We'll see what Williams can provide as a pass rusher in the pros.) The suspension obviously hurts Richardson's IDP value in fantasy football leagues as well, but he should remain a fine option beyond his return. Williams isn't likely to supplant him as a starter long term, especially with Muhammad Wilkerson facing 2016 free agency. We're also not moving the Jets down our 2015 Team Defense rankings. Three of those 4 games look like non-positive fantasy matchups anyway.

Browns DT Sheldon Richardson left Sunday night's win over the Giants with a neck injury. X-rays came back negative, according to Andrew Gribble of the team website. We'll see about Richardson's status heading into next Sunday's matchup with the Jets, Richardson's original team.

Browns DT Sheldon Richardson (back) and DE Olivier Vernon (knee) are active for today's season finale against the Bengals. Richardson looks good for normal IDP usage. Vernon, on the other hand, hasn't played a full game since Week 9. He previously made it through just 10 snaps in a Week 13 attempt at returning from the knee injury. He'd be a high-risk IDP option -- albeit with sack upside.

The Browns have agreed to a 3-year deal with DT Sheldon Richardson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That will land Richardson in a Cleveland D-line that will also feature 3rd-year DT Larry Ogunjobi and DEs Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. There's room for all 4 players to deliver solid-to-strong IDP numbers. And the Cleveland defense has a chance to be strong in both real life and fantasy. Richardson posted 4.5 sacks in his lone Vikings season, matching his 2nd best total. He topped out at 8 back in 2014, his 2nd season in the league. Richardson will turn 29 in November.

Vikings DT Sheldon Richardson (hip) is active for today's game against the Dolphins. He's a lower-level IDP option but looks fine to use if he factored into your plans.

The Vikings on Friday announced that they have signed DT Sheldon Richardson. He spent a quiet 2017 with the Seahawks but remains a big talent and joins a loaded Minnesota D-line. Richardson will play alongside DT Linval Joseph and DEs Everton Griffen and Danielle Hunter. All carry IDP intrigue, and Minnesota figures to rank among the top defenses in both real life and fantasy in 2018