Former Pro Bowl DT Sheldon Richardson not re-signing with Browns

It appears any chance of 2014 Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson re-signing with the Cleveland Browns has evaporated. 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports Richardson has decided to play elsewhere during the 2021 NFL season. The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Browns but was released in April in a move that reportedly saved Cleveland around $11 million in salary-cap space. Cabot explained Richardson "might’ve received a better offer from the Browns" than from any other team this offseason but that his decision "wasn’t about the money." 

Earlier in the day, Jack Day of Minnesota radio station KFAN FM and Vikings Wire tweeted Richardson could sign with the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the 2018 season with the Vikings before he joined the Browns in March 2019. Also on Monday, Minnesota reworked the contract for two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter ahead of mandatory minicamp. 

Richardson was a pivotal part of a Browns team that made the playoffs in January and then defeated the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a road postseason matchup. Over the past two seasons, he tallied 7.5 sacks, 126 total tackles and four forced fumbles.

With the Browns viewed by many as favorites to contend for at least a playoff berth, Richardson's choice comes as somewhat of a surprise.