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NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Sheldon Richardson #93 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Sheldon Richardson #93 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

15. Sheldon Richardson, DT

Richardson may not be the player he once was in the early days of his career with the New York Jets, but the interior defensive lineman is still a disruptive force. After posting 20 sacks in four seasons in New York after the team picked him 13th overall, Richardson has only six sacks combined during short stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings.

Seattle traded for Richardson prior to the 2017 season and let the defensive tackle hit the open market the following offseason, which landed him in Minnesota. Richardson improved in Mike Zimmer’s defense, posting five sacks and 30 quarterback hurries on 437 pass rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

The best route Richardson can take to return to his dominant form would be finding a defense that fits his skill set the best, which is a 3-4 scheme. The 28-year-old could thrive reuniting with former head coach, now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, as they transition to a 3-4.

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