Richardson an upgrade for Seattle D-line

The Seahawks significantly upgraded their D-line talent by acquiring Sheldon Richardson from the Jets on Friday. Richardson can play DT or DE in Seattle's 4-3 base defense and even ran from a 3-4 OLB position for much of last year with the Jets. He wore out his welcome in New York with off-field issues and effort/attitude problems. But if he can avoid big issues on that front in Seattle, Richardson will help the team defense and bring IDP upside. Richardson was the 13th overall pick and defensive rookie of the year back in 2013. He followed that with 8 sacks and a top-10 finish among fantasy D-linemen in 2014. Richardson added another top-25 finish last year despite a new position. We wouldn't bet on Richardson starting right away in Seattle. But the Seahawks sent a 2nd-round pick in addition to WR Jermaine Kearse, despite Richardson heading toward unrestricted free agency in the spring. That indicates how much the team likes its new D-lineman. Expect him to start contributing as soon as he's ready and likely see his role grow as we get into the season.

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