New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was the subject of trade rumors leading up to the deadline earlier this week. In fact, it looks like the Dallas Cowboys made an offer to the Jets for the former Pro Bowler.
This isn’t really too much of a surprise. We knows the Jets were going to have a tough time retaining Richardson’s services long term. They signed fellow defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson to a five-year, $86 million contract back in July. The team also selected Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick back in the 2015 NFL Draft.
This all has Richardson feeling left out in New York.
“Big business, bro,” Richardson said on Wednesday after being asked about trade rumors, via the NY Post. “It happens. That’s it. We’ve got three guys that play the same position. We’re all effective. It’s a surplus, so I’m the odd man out.”
To be fair to the Jets, all three play the EDGE in the team’s 3-4 scheme. Though, they do rotate one inside a ton throughout the game. It could potentially work from a schematic standpoint.
Though, Richardson is likely talking more about the financial investments the Jets have made on the other two defensive linemen. Wilkerson is making $17-plus million annually, while Williams himself will see his salary balloon should the two sides come to an agreement on an extension on that front.
This all seems to suggest that Williams will likely be moved during the spring when the Jets have more time to find a trade offer to their liking.