The Seattle Seahawks want to retain defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport adds that the team would like to keep Richardson for the long term and are unlikely to use the franchise tag.
Richardson earned a base salary of $8.069 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2017. He was traded from the New York Jets to the Seahawks at the beginning of September in exchange for wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 second-round pick.
The 27-year-old recorded 44 combined tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one interception in 15 games this season. Originally a 13th overall pick of the Jets in the 2013 draft, Richardson has totaled 19 sacks and six forced fumbles over 73 career games in five seasons.
