Sheldon Richardson is heading to the Browns

About 12 hours after losing linebacker Anthony Barr to the Jets, reports came in that former Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson plans to sign with the Cleveland Browns.

Former Vikings’ DT Sheldon Richardson intends to sign a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns when free agency opens Wednesday, a source tells ESPN.

Cleveland’s opening-day front four now expected to be DE Myles Garrett, DT Larry Ogunjobi, Richardson and DE Emmanuel Ogbah.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019

Per Adam Schefter, the deal is for three years, $39 million and $21.5 million guaranteed. A bit much for the Vikings.

Browns are giving former Vikings' DT Sheldon Richardson a three-year, $39 deal that includes $21.5 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019

Richardson spent just one season with the Vikings and finished with 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Per Pro Football Focus, Richardson ranked as the league’s 47th interior defender last season.

It’s a big payday for Richardson. Up until this point in his career, he had made just over $25 million in his career. So nearly doubling it right off the bat is a good deal for the 28 year-old.

What’s next for the Vikings? Well, on Monday, it was reported that they will sign familiar face Shamar Stephen. A downgrade, sure, but this was how it was going to be all along. The Vikings likely weren’t going to sign either Barr or Richardson, knowing deals like this for them were on the horizon.