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NFL free agency 2019: Best defensive linemen available

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/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) /

4. DT Sheldon Richardson (Minnesota Vikings)

He was the 13th overall selection by the New York Jets in the 2013 draft. And former University of Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson would orchestrate quite the debut campaign. He finished the season with 77 tackles (12 for losses), 3.5 sacks and was even used in the backfield, scoring a pair of rushing touchdowns. The talented performer was named the 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

In four seasons under head coaches Rex Ryan and Todd Bowles, Richardson played in 58 games and made 56 starts. He averaged 60 stops per year and made his presence felt in opposing backfield. There were 18 sacks, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and a Pro Bowl invitation in 2014. But there were some off-the-field issues.

In 2017, he was part of a trade that brought wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to the Jets and sent him to the Pacific Northwest. He spent one season with the Seahawks where he played and started in 15 games. There were 44 stops, two fumble recoveries, an interception and one sack.

Still, Seattle enabled him to test free agency last offseason. He inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and started all 16 contests. It added up to 49 tackles and a very-respectable 4.5 quarterback traps.

Mark Craig of the Star Tribune documented Richardson’s story last December. Yes, he’s played for three different teams the past three seasons and figures to once again be on the open market come March 13. The talent is obviously still there. But are there teams that consider him a bit of a risk? Stay tuned.

Next: No. 3

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