It won’t be easy and the Jets have a long list of concerns going into the season. But the reality is their defense no longer has Sheldon Richardson on the line causing havoc.
After nearly two years of rumors and speculation, the Jets finally said goodbye to Richardson by trading him to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, and a 2018 second-round draft pick. Both teams will also swap seventh-round picks.
I wrote about the Richardson trade in my column for NY Sports Day.
The Jets are still strong on the line with Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams. Not having to worry where Richardson fits on the field with Wilkerson and Williams should be one less headache for Todd Bowles.
Nose tackle Steve McLendon will need to step up. Newly-acquired Kony Ealy should also get time to show what he can do.
Keeping Wilkerson and Williams fresh and healthy have to be priorities for the Jets this season. The defense is expected to be this team’s strength. Richardson’s production will be missed but the Jets have enough on the depth chart to move on.
