Cleveland Browns: 10 free agents Browns should target in 2019

2. Sheldon Richardson, DT

Sheldon Richardson is another player who should intrigue Cleveland Browns’ general manager John Dorsey because defensive tackle might be the biggest need on the team.

As you read previously on La’Darius Smith, the Browns should put an emphasis on getting to opposing quarterbacks with their front four defenders.

They have two stalwarts at the position who have jobs secured next season in Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi.

Ogunjobi needs help on the inside, though, as Trevon Coley was one of PFF’s lowest graded pass rushers during the 2018 campaign.

At 28, Richardson is a six-year veteran, so he’s got some tread on the tires. But he doesn’t turn 29 until November, which means the Browns could get him for a couple seasons while he’s still in his late 20s.

Richardson started 16 games for the Vikings last season and recorded 49 combined tackles. He also had 4.5 sacks.

Pro Football Focus graded Richardson as “above average” in pass rushing and stopping the run. The analytically oriented website credited him with 47 quarterback pressures. He was also credited with making 23 stops.

Richardon’s current team, the Vikings, has a lot of money tied up in Kirk Cousins and won’t be able to keep all their a free agents.

It might be worth it for the Browns to add Richardson, and then go hunting for more defensive help come draft day.