Better late than never with Sheldon Richardson trade

By Michael Pallas | Sep 2, 2017

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 03: Sheldon Richardson #91 of the New York Jets laughs on the field before a pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on September 3, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

The New York Jets made a deal with the Seattle Seahawks for Sheldon Richardson, and it’s better late than never.

The New York Jets traded Sheldon Richardson one year too late, but they finally consummated a deal that works both ways. The Jets were able to get a No. 1 receiver and an additional draft pick for the star defensive lineman.

Regardless of what you think of Richardson’s talent, he was in a must go situation, and the straw that broke the camel’s back should’ve been the fleeing the police incident in Tennessee last offseason. The Jets were waiting on what they thought was the best deal possible, and they allowed Richardson’s attitude to fester in the locker room.

Now, whatever bad he’s done has to be reversed so the young guys don’t develop bad habits. Additionally, the Jets would’ve lost him for nothing had they not been able to make a deal.

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As Rich Cimini of ESPN told us, head coach Todd Bowles wants to establish a new culture in the Jets locker room. Ridding Richardson is a key step:

Richardson isn’t a winning player. We’ve seen the New England Patriots unload guys like Richardson (Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins, et al) because the Patriots put the team above individual talent. Bowles is trying to do that, evidenced by his new mantra: “One team, one goal.” He might not be around to reap the benefits of that extra second-round pick, but at least he has a plan.

Last year, for some reason, the Jets were duped into believing they could compete, after that amazing season by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. It took them one year to realize that they weren’t contenders and that they need to build this thing over.

The Jets aren’t rebuilding on the defensive side of the ball, but removing a player that brought constant distractions from the locker room was a smart move. It was long overdue. Now, the Jets can build the team in the image they want.