Vikings 2021 salary cap update after signing Sheldon Richardson

Minnesota has made numerous splashes in free agency this offseason. Early on, the Vikings nabbed Dalvin Tomlinson. The team followed that up by adding CB Patrick Peterson.

This week, the Vikings made another free agency signing official, announcing the acquisition of DT Sheldon Richardson. Richardson reunites with his former team and adds a pass-rushing skill set to a defensive line that appeared to be lacking that.

And based on what the Vikings have for 2021 salary cap space, the team might not be done there. According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, Richardson has a $2.316 million cap number this year. Richardson’s $10 million base salaries in 2022 and 2023 are voidable as well, so that money is pushed back to a later time.

With Richardson having void years on his deal, the Vikings have roughly $14 million to work with for 2021 salary cap space.

Personally, I think the team should try and find a defensive end, assuming the team is playing a 4-3 next season. No matter what, though, the team at least has the option of improving the 2021 roster slightly.