Saints: 3 reasons to sign recently released Sheldon Richardson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 15: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 38-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Sheldon Richardson would be one of the Saints’ cheaper options.

The market value on keeping Sheldon Rankins would have been somewhere in the ballpark of 4-year, $45 million which is roughly $11 million per year. Obviously the Saints couldn’t have afforded an offer like that for a defensive tackle.

Rankins ended up signing a 2-year, $11 million deal with the New York Jets. That shows you how the cap space has every team skeptical to sign players for large amounts of money. If Rankins signed for half of what he is worth, could the Saints get the same from Richardson?

The Cleveland Browns took a $1.6 million dead hit to release Richardson and save themselves close to $12 million. He did also sign a 1-year, $8 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings prior to signing a 3-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.

If that is any inclination, maybe the Saints could snag Richardson for somewhere around $4 million per year. That would be a steal considering his talent level and play style. With the need aforementioned this is something that the Saints should pursue.

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