One perfect free agency signing for each NFL team

Green Bay Packers – Sheldon Richardson

Richardson made a big bet on himself last offseason by signing a one-year contract with the Vikings. His outstanding campaign in Minnesota means he’s set to cash in with a long-term contract from someone this offseason. The Vikings may choose to make a big offer to keep him in the fold, but that’s going to be tough with all of their other financial commitments.

That should give Packers fans hope that Richardson can come in and transform their defensive front. If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy it’s clear this team is going to score points. What’s not as obvious, is how the Green Bay defense can prevent games from devolving into shootouts.

The front office has spent a lot of draft capital on the secondary in recent drafts, but that’s going to be a fruitless investment unless this team improves up front. Matt Lafleur was hired to cater to Rodgers, but he also needs to spend considerable time getting this defense up to par.

Richardson may not be a perfect defensive lineman to play in a 3-4 setup, but talent is more important than fit in this situation. If the Packers have an opportunity to ink an impact player like Richardson they should adjust their scheme accordingly. He’s just the sort of high quality defensive lineman that can help the rest of this defense come together.