New York Jets: Should They Trade Sheldon Richardson?

Could the New York Jets trade away defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson? Greg A. Bedard of Sports Illustrated believes they should.

The New York Jets have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. They were able to lock up Muhammad Wilkerson with a long-term deal this summer. They had Leonard Williams fall into their laps with the No.6 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. They did well in free agency, adding Steve McLendon and Jarvis Jenkins.

There are depth and talent, and that is before you even get to Sheldon Richardson. Richardson is arguably the best of the bunch, and someone the Jets are very fond of. Like Wilkerson this past season, Richardson is set to hit it rich this summer.

That is part of the reason that he could be traded before the NFL Trade Deadline. Moving a player of the caliber of Richardson is rarely seen, but a path the Jets may look down. It is one that Greg A. Bedard of Sports Illustrated believes they should look at.

More from New York Jets

Over at SportsIllustrated.com, Bedard made a list of six players that should be on the move prior to the NFL’s trade deadline on November 1st at 4 PM ET. Richardson landed on that list, as Bedard believes the Jets should trade him to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round pick.

Here is what Bedard has to say about the Jets trading Richardson to the Colts.

"If Colts GM Ryan Grigson was okay with sending a first-round pick to the Brown for RB Trent Richardson, he should leap at the chance to finally get a disruptive young lineman like Richardson. Most people think the Colts need offensive line help. That would certainly be an improvement, but getting somebody—anybody—that can actually disrupt the opposing passer and rusher would mean a lot more (Colts are 21st in offense, 31st in defense according to FO). And Richardson is so good and his skills so varied that he could immediately help in both areas. The Jets already signed Muhammad Wilkerson to a big-money contract extension and Leonard Williams is a young stud up front. They have so many areas that need to be addressed, so New York should diversify its payroll and take some money out of the defensive line."

Do the Jets want to throw in the towel on the 2016 season? They will not admit it, but the season is more than likely over; a team will not say they are out of contention until they are mathematically eliminated. Bedard believes that should go into full sell mode, as wide receiver Brandon Marshall also landed on the list. If the Jets truly evaluate their roster they could come to the conclusion of moving Richardson being a good idea.

Richardson has proven he is a risky investment. He has off-field trouble leading to games missed because of suspension. There is no doubt that the talent is there, but he comes with more risks in a long-term contract than someone such as Wilkerson.

With Wilkerson and Williams on the team long-term, it would help the Jets to improve at another area on the team. They could use some youth on the offensive line and the secondary has struggled; a first round pick could net them a solid asset at either of those spots.

If Richardson is put on the trade block, there will be a lot of teams calling and gauging the Jets interest. He is an impact player on the field against both the run and pass, something any teams could use.

Next: New York Jets 10 Greatest First Round Picks Of All-Time

Taking calls and fielding offers can’t hurt. Creating dialogue would make sense, as the Jets usually leave all avenues open until they have to make a move; look at the Wilkerson saga this past summer. A trade remains unlikely, but if they could get a first round pick for Richardson it could be tough to turn that down.

Home/New York Jets