Jets Wanted First-Rounder For Richardson

Pre-trade deadline talks between the Jets and Cowboys regarding defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson didn’t get very far, according to Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram. The Jets wanted a first-round pick in either 2017 or 2018 for Richardson, per Hill, and the Cowboys understandably balked at their high asking price.

New York reportedly discussed Richardson with Denver, too, so it stands to reason the Jets also requested a first-rounder from the Broncos. Richardson ultimately didn’t go anywhere prior to last Tuesday’s deadline, though the Jets are likely to shop him again during the offseason. However, multiple general managers have told Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that there probably won’t be much demand for Richardson’s services then.

Although he has been one of the NFL’s top defenders during his four-year career, Richardson comes with obvious red flags that damage his value. He’s only signed through next season, for one, so trading for him would mean surrendering a haul for either a short-term fix or someone set to occupy a large chunk of cap space for the long haul. Perhaps of greater concern are Richardson’s off-field issues, as the league has twice suspended the 25-year-old. Richardson sat four games last year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and served a one-game ban earlier this season stemming from a July 2015 arrest.

Most recently, Jets head coach Todd Bowles benched both Richardson and fellow D-line stalwart Muhammad Wilkerson for the first quarter of the club’s loss to the Dolphins last Sunday because of their consistent absences from (and tardiness to) team meetings. Wilkerson is seemingly entrenched with the Jets, who signed him to an extension over the summer, as is second-year lineman Leonard Williams. That leaves Richardson as the likely odd man out, though the Jets are clearly going to have to lower their asking price after the season if they’re truly motivated to move him.