Ex-Browns DT Sheldon Richardson signs with the Vikings

Any crack in the door for the Browns to bring back Sheldon Richardson has now been slammed shut. Richardson has officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Reports of Richardson’s desire to join the Vikings surfaced on Monday, a day before Minnesota kicks off its minicamp. Richardson played for the Vikings in the 2018 season, a year before he signed with the Browns.

Cleveland released Richardson earlier this offseason in a cost-cutting measure. The veteran defensive tackle had one year remaining on his three-year, $39 million contract he signed with the Browns before the 2019 season. Both parties indicated there was potential for a return to Cleveland, but that is no longer on the table.

The 30-year-old Richardson was an effective starter in his two years in Cleveland, notching 126 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. He proved capable of playing in multiple spots along the line and was an energetic presence on the sidelines and in the locker room.