New York Jets: Sheldon Richardson Listed As Player Who Needs to Leave

NFL Nation writers recently listed one player from each team that needs a change of scenery. Who did they pick from the New York Jets?

After an awful 2016 season, there are a few players on the New York Jets that can use a change of scenery.

In 2016, the Jets came in with some expectations after being 10-6 in 2015. One of the strengths for the Jets coming into the season was their defense. Led by a great defensive line, the Jets were expected to get a lot of pressure on quarterbacks throughout the season.

In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, it looked like the Jets were going to have an elite group up front. Even without Sheldon Richardson in that game, the Jets were able to harass Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton throughout the game.

Unfortunately for the Jets, that pressure was really never seen again for the rest of the season. While Leonard Williams played well, both Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson struggled.

The struggles of Richardson resulted in him being named as the player on the Jets that could use a change of scenery by NFL Nation writers. Here’s what Rich Cimini had to say about Richardson.

"Richardson is a talented player, but his four seasons in New York have been marred by two league suspensions (total: five games) and a lack of maturity in his own locker room. He needs a fresh start. So do the Jets, who considered trading him last October at the deadline. Chances are the Jets will restart trade talks later this month. He has one year and $8.1 million left on his contract. — Rich Cimini"

Seeing Richardson mentioned on the list should come as no surprise. In addition to struggling on the field, Richardson has had his issues off of it.

Next: Rich's Seven-Round Mock Draft 2.0

During the season, the Jets did shop Richardson around a bit. Obviously, he wasn’t traded then, however, the Jets will likely try to move him again this offseason.