Is a Sheldon Richardson return on the horizon?

Could the Cleveland Browns bring the veteran defensive tackle back after releasing him earlier this offseason?

One would think that after releasing Sheldon Richardson and the multiple additions to the defensive line this offseason that the door has closed on a reunion. That apparently is not the case as the Cleveland Browns still have interest in their former starting defensive tackle. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com stated that “The Browns parted ways on good terms with Richardson, with the agreement that he could be re-signed later in the offseason”. This is after stating that there is room for another player at the position on the roster.

If Cleveland were to somehow manage to make room for Sheldon Richardson that would cap off what has been a good offseason on the defensive side of the ball. It would also make up for releasing him in order to sign Jadeveon Clowney earlier this offseason. Bringing back Richardson would allow the defensive line to play in the right positions resulting in better play overall in a unit that is going to look a lot different this season. Improved defensive line play would make the defense as a whole better and the Browns defense is significantly better with Richardson in the fold.

If the Browns can manage to bring back Sheldon Richardson that would be fantastic. If not, the team has appeared to take enough fliers on short term options that should allow them to be flexible moving forward. Right now it is about being competitive and maintaining flexibility for the Browns and both certainly apply to the team with or without Sheldon Richardson.