The rich got richer on Friday afternoon, as the Minnesota Vikings first-ranked defense of 2017 is adding defensive tackle and 2014 Pro Bowler Sheldon Richardson:
Richardson, 27, spent his first four seasons with the New York Jets - the team that drafted with the 13th-overall pick in 2013. Traded to the Seattle Seahawks at the start of 2017, Richardson had 44 tackles, one sack and one pass defended.
The Vikings defense finished first in yards (275.9 per game), and scoring (just 15.8 yards allowed per contest). Adding Richardson to a defensive line that includes Everson Griffen (13 sacks last season) and Danielle Hunter (seven sacks), is a scary thought for the rest of the NFC.
Signing Richardson comes just a few days after the Vikings landed star quarterback Kirk Cousins on a three-year contract worth $84 million. In turn, Minnesota let Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater all walk in free agency.
With Cousins and Richardson now joining the NFC runner ups, the Vikings have to be considered a heavy Super Bowl favorite. With wide receiver stars Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen (plus running back Dalvin Cook), Minnesota's offense has the chance to take off in 2018.
Richardson surprisingly couldn't find a big contract after hitting the open market for the first time. He's one of the league's elite run stoppers and can generate plenty of pressure up the middle. A strong year with the Vikings could put him in line for a major contract if Richardson hits the open market again next year.
It's early, but the Vikings are looking like a major winner in the early days of 2018 NFL free agency. If Cousins and Richardson can perform at their usual levels, this franchise could finally win its first Super Bowl.