03-22-2018, 01:19 PM
“There are things we feel technically, because of our coaching staff, that can even take him to another level,” general manager Rick Spielman said.Sheldon Richardson is on his third NFL team just five years removed from being drafted as the 13th-overall pick.
After moving on from Sharrif Floyd, the Vikings’ own first-round pick who suffered what could be a career-ending knee injury during surgery, the Vikings incur a different kind of risk in Richardson.
Richardson has missed more games to suspension (5) than injury (2) in his five NFL seasons. He was suspended four games prior to the 2015 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy after testing positive for marijuana. He was then suspended one game for the 2016 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Jets grew tired of his act and traded Richardson to Seattle just before the start of last season.
“We did a lot of research on that,” general manager Rick Spielman said of Richardson’s off-field issues. “That was maybe two-and-a-half, three years ago. We talked to a ton of people about it. We did, as we always do, as thorough of a job as we can. And after spending almost two days with him, felt very confident that him coming into this culture, into our locker room that he’ll fit right in.”
On the field, Richardson’s value to the Vikings is immense. Spielman said as much with a one-year, $8 million contract (up to $11 million with incentives) for Richardson while trying to manage a salary cap with four cornerstone players — Barr, Hunter, Kendricks and Diggs — entering their contract season.
The 27-year-old defensive tackle comes to Minnesota in what should be his prime. Richardson played well enough for the Seahawks, after being traded to Seattle on Sept. 1, that they tried to keep him. But the Vikings outbid the Seahawks, and see a durable player still reaching his potential. He’s played in 73 of 75 NFL games for which he was eligible.
“There are things we feel technically, because of our coaching staff, that can even take him to another level,” Spielman said. “Not only because of the natural power, but the quick twitch at that position.”
Let’s take a closer look at what the Vikings are getting on the field in Richardson, a nimble interior rusher listed 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds...
http://www.startribune.com/film-review-s...477628603/
After moving on from Sharrif Floyd, the Vikings’ own first-round pick who suffered what could be a career-ending knee injury during surgery, the Vikings incur a different kind of risk in Richardson.
Richardson has missed more games to suspension (5) than injury (2) in his five NFL seasons. He was suspended four games prior to the 2015 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy after testing positive for marijuana. He was then suspended one game for the 2016 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Jets grew tired of his act and traded Richardson to Seattle just before the start of last season.
“We did a lot of research on that,” general manager Rick Spielman said of Richardson’s off-field issues. “That was maybe two-and-a-half, three years ago. We talked to a ton of people about it. We did, as we always do, as thorough of a job as we can. And after spending almost two days with him, felt very confident that him coming into this culture, into our locker room that he’ll fit right in.”
On the field, Richardson’s value to the Vikings is immense. Spielman said as much with a one-year, $8 million contract (up to $11 million with incentives) for Richardson while trying to manage a salary cap with four cornerstone players — Barr, Hunter, Kendricks and Diggs — entering their contract season.
The 27-year-old defensive tackle comes to Minnesota in what should be his prime. Richardson played well enough for the Seahawks, after being traded to Seattle on Sept. 1, that they tried to keep him. But the Vikings outbid the Seahawks, and see a durable player still reaching his potential. He’s played in 73 of 75 NFL games for which he was eligible.
“There are things we feel technically, because of our coaching staff, that can even take him to another level,” Spielman said. “Not only because of the natural power, but the quick twitch at that position.”
Let’s take a closer look at what the Vikings are getting on the field in Richardson, a nimble interior rusher listed 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds...
http://www.startribune.com/film-review-s...477628603/