CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Sheldon Richardson ship has sailed.
The former Browns defensive tackle signed with the Vikings Tuesday.
Richardson was released by the Browns on April 16, saving the team $12 million in salary cap space.
Browns EVP/GM Andrew Berry left open the possibility of re-signing Richardson, but the two sides could not come to an agreement.
“Got presented with an offer a couple weeks ago [by the Vikings], told them I was waiting to hear back from Cleveland,” Richardson told Vikings reporters Tuesday. “I had already started something there and honestly, just couldn’t come to an agreement on what we needed, what I wanted from Cleveland.”
The Vikings posted a video of Richardson's video conference on their website.
Richardson, who started all 16 games last season for the Browns and totaled 64 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble, called his reunion with the Vikings “a perfect fit.”
Richardson played one year for Minnesota in 2018 before signing a three-year, $37 million contract with the Browns as a free agent.
Richardson's deal with Minnesota is for one year and worth $3.6 million according to NFL Network. He could make up to $4.35 million with incentives.
“I’m proven,” Richardson said. “I proved my talents last year, the year before and pretty much every year I’ve played in the league. The way the business works, they tell you five days before the draft ‘no more money in free agency to be given’ so gotta take what’s given.”
Originally selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Richardson was voted the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and named a Pro Bowler in 2014.
The Cleveland chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America voted Richardson the 2019 PFWA Dino Lucarelli Good Guy award winner for his work in the community and candor with reporters.
The Browns will face Richardson and the Vikings on October 3 in Minnesota this season.