Top 3 teams that should trade for Sheldon Richardson

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Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) on sideline during second half against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-16.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Make no mistake about it, the New York Jets need to trade defensive end, Sheldon Richardson, this offseason. Here are the top three teams that have a void that Richardson could easily fill.

One of the main problems for the New York Jets is that the entire defense underperformed, including defensive end Sheldon Richardson last season. Richardson lost some trade value due to this, but proven NFL talent is always better than draft picks.

The 2017 NFL Draft is coming up and some teams may want to trade for Richardson if the price is right, and the Jets may want to draft a quarterback. The only way they should draft a quarterback in the first round is if they can acquire another draft pick.

There are teams that need help along their defensive front, and Richardson could be the linchpin. He has been a good NFL defensive lineman for most of his career, and he’s only 26 years old.

Let’s examine who could use a guy like Richardson on their franchise. Here are the top three teams that make the most sense to acquire his talents via trade while also giving the Jets something in return to continue their rebuilding.

Next: 3. Seattle Seahawks

Sep 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks mascot Blitz poses with a 12th man flag before the game against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are in need of serious help up front. They could even use a guy like Richardson.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, when it comes to the draft needs:

Adding talent at the hybrid DE/DT spot should be a possibility…

Richardson fits that mold because he can play inside and outside. He can stop the run as well as get to the quarterback.

The Jets want to acquire picks, but this trade would have to include one of their draft picks. That means, most likely, they’d have to get rid of one of their two third-round picks.

Next: 2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers sit at No. 19 overall. A top-20 pick may cost the Jets more than they want to trade, but their No. 6 pick is too high for a quarterback this year. Plus if they want to draft a quarterback and keep the No. 6 pick, trading with Tampa Bay might be the way to go.

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Getting Richardson would fill a void the Buccaneers desperately need. Richardson can play tackle or end, and his versatility would suit the Buccaneers well.

The No. 19 overall pick though, might coast the Jets either their first third round pick or their second-round pick. General manager Mike Maccagnan wants to build through the draft, and giving up a second-round pick might not be to his liking.

Tampa Bay is a good fit for Richardson, and they need him. However, there is one team that seems to fit Richardson the best.

Next: 1. Oakland Raiders

Mar 21, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General overall view of Oakland Raiders helmet at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas Blvd. on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders and Richardson seem to be a match made in heaven, and they need a defensive tackle. It’s also a perfect fit for the Jets.

The Raiders sit at the No. 24 overall pick. Therefore, a combination of the Jets second third round pick (107 overall) and Richardson should suffice.

While Richardson underperformed in 2016, a change of scenery could do him good. It may give him a pick me up and lead to good things for him in 2017.

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In addition to the change of scenery, the change in talent around him might help, because he’d no longer be playing in a 3-4 front, which may not suit him. Being in that rotation on the front, rather than being forced to play linebacker, may be best for Richardson.

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