HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 06: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Ross Blacklock #90 of the Houston Texans during the second half at NRG Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The eight-year defensive tackle was released by the Cleveland Browns on Friday afternoon and figures to be in high demand.
The Cleveland Browns made news this week when they signed veteran defender Jadeveon Clowney. And the team that finished 11-5 this past season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2002 also opted to part ways with veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com).
An eight-year veteran with the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, the stout interior presence hits the open market with the NFL draft less than two weeks away. No doubt numerous teams could use his services. But here are the three teams that stand out the most.
3. Houston Texans
When you give up the most rushing yards in the league, adding a little extra beef up the middle is always a good idea. Houston certainly had a problem when it came to stopping other teams from controlling the football via the running game. Texans’ defenders allowed a disappointing 160.3 yards per game on the ground and have up 24 rushing touchdowns – topped only by the Detroit Lions (27). New head coach David Culley and new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith are counting on newcomers such as Maliek Collins and Jaleel Johnson to bolster this area. But adding Richardson would give the team a much more proven commodity.