Free Agency 2018: Seahawks DT Sheldon Richardson leaving to plunder with Vikings

Following news of the Seattle Seahawks not being close to a new contract with free agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, it’s now confirmed that Richardson is on his way to the Minnesota Vikings on just a one-year contract.

Seattle traded WR Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 second-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for Richardson’s services, which probably will be an annoyance to some knowing how much the Seahawks gave up for what amounts to a one-year rental. Richardson recorded one sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, missing just one game due to injury.

While Richardson is headed for Minneapolis, 33-year-old veteran Vikings DT Tom Johnson is scheduled to visit the Seahawks on Monday. He’s known for his run-stuffing abilities in the interior, but also racked up 16 sacks over his four seasons in Minnesota. Johnson was on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad from 2006-2007, played in Arena Football and the Canadian Football League before the New Orleans Saints picked him up in 2011. Johnson was an underrated presence in Minnesota’s outstanding defense last season, starting all but one regular season game, having previously started just ten in his entire career.

I suppose it’s not really a Seahawks offseason until a former Seahawk signs with the Vikings, or vice versa, or sometimes both.