Report: Vikings invite Seahawks free agent DT Sheldon Richardson to dinner

Reports earlier had the Seattle Seahawks and free agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson far apart in their contract talks, and the likelihood of a deal coming together slim. In addition, Richardson is currently in Minnesota where he is visiting the Minnesota Vikings.

The visit seems to have been somewhat productive, because in a late afternoon development, it appears as though the Vikings and Richardson have a dinner date.

The fact that the two sides are planning to stay for dinner indicates there may be a strong likelihood of a contract coming together. It obviously means the two sides have at least enough interest to sit down and talk further after their initial meeting, and now it remains to be seen how strong that interest truly is.

This comes on the heels of the defensive tackle market getting moving this afternoon, with Atlanta Falcons free agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe having agreed to terms on a three year contract.

In addition, reports have the New Orleans Saints scheduling a free agent visit with Ndamukong Suh for Friday.

That means the three biggest names in the defensive tackle market could all come off the board in a 24-hour period, after stagnating during the legal tampering period, likely as a result of teams waiting to learn more on the status of Suh and whether the Dolphins would release him.

The Seahawks have remained largely quiet thus far, and there is no reason to expect that to change until the second and third waves of free agency arrive.