By Connor Hughes | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Jets are interested in acquiring more picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. They could do so by trading defensive end Sheldon Richardson. Which teams could be suitors?

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Andrew Mills

Where could the Jets trade Sheldon Richardson?

You can't fault the Jets for trying. These last three years, they've done everything they can to figure out a way to use defensive ends Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams at the same time.

Richardson spent time at end, tackle, nose tackle, outside linebacker and (yes really) inside linebacker. Williams rotated in-and-out at nose tackle and end. Wilkerson, well, Wilkerson stayed at end.

Still, it didn't work.

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Heading into 2017, it's clear one of the three has to go. It's addition by subtraction. Considering Williams is arguably the Jets' best player, and Wilkerson signed an $86 million extension last summer, the expendable piece is Richardson.

The Jets tried to move Richardson during last year's trade deadline, but failed. To no surprise, he's likely on the trade block now. Odds are, if the Jets do move him, he'll be moved at some point during the NFL Draft.

So we took a look at which teams could make a run at Richardson. Here they are, broken down by the best fits, possible fits, and wild cards.

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THE BEST FITS

Which teams make the most sense for Sheldon Richardson? Let's take a look ...

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Denver Broncos

The Broncos have a strong locker room filled with leaders on the defensive side of the ball -- Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., Aquib Talib. They'll keep Richardson in check off the field. On it, well, just imagine Richardson and Miller coming around the same side of the field.

The Broncos run a bit of a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense. They'll find a role for Richardson. There's just some concern if the man calling the shots -- John Elway -- is willing to part with anything of substance.

Elway passed on trading for Richardson at the deadline last year. But the Broncos did miss out on defensive end Calais Campbell in free agency. That may change things.

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Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have a win-now offense with a scotch-tape defense. They're in dire need of playmakers on that side of the ball. Sheldon Richardson would step in, and become arguably the unit's best player.

The Cowboys may be a bit hesitant in trading for another with a checkered past, though. Richardson is one strike away from a lengthy suspension. Dallas is dealing with its fair share of troubled stars already, namely defensive end Randy Gregory.

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Kansas City Chiefs

Sheldon Richardson is born and raised in Missouri. He spends a significant amount of time there in the offseason. A trade to the Chiefs would be a coming-home party. The defense could use a guy of his caliber, too.

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Jets draft board

Who's on it?

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THE COULD FITS

Be it for need, cap availability or various other reasons, these teams make some sense, too.

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Cleveland Browns

The Browns traded for Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins last year, then signed him to a mega-money contract this offseason. It would be a near identical scenario with Richardson.

Collins, Richardson and cornerback Joe Haden could be the faces of Cleveland's defense for the next three-to-five seasons.

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Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a young, up-and-coming team. Offensively, they look ready to breakout. They're just a couple pieces away on defense. Linebacker Brian Orakpo was a nice signing in free agency last year, but they could use more.

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Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have quarterback Andrew Luck.

And that's about all the Colts have.

Recently-fired general manager Ryan Grigson did a terrible job constructing this team. They're doing nothing but wasting Luck's best years. They need difference makers on both lines. Richardson would instantly improve things on the defensive side.

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New Orleans Saints

Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees are gearing up for their final one or two runs together. The offense will always score points with those two calling the shots, but the defense needs help.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Sheldon Richardson had a tendency for tardiness last year. That won't fly with Tom Coughlin, who's calling the shots in Jacksonville. But the Jaguars are a team on the rise, and Richardson would be a nice piece on the defense.

He's best suited in a 3-4, but Richardson has the ability to play defensive end or tackle in a 4-3. That front would be something else with Dante Flower Jr., Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell and Richardson all on the field together.

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History of the No. 6 pick

What kinda player can the Jets expect?

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THE WILD CARDS

There's always one or two teams that make a run at a player you don't expect. Here are a few that could sneakily be in the running for Richardson.

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New York Giants

Most ex-Jets eventually make their way from Florham Park to East Rutherford. Richardson would just be the latest after quarterback Geno Smith, receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive tackle Damon Harrison.

Kidding aside, Richardson in a Giants uniform could work pending two things: A) The Jets' asking price, and B) If defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (surprisingly still a free agent) doesn't return.

Richardson can play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense, and would take a Giants front that's already really good (Jason Pierre-Paul, Harrison, Olivier Vernon) to another level. He would have to bury his ongoing feud with Marshall, though, which may not be easy.

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Houston Texans

The quarterback situation for the Texans isn't good.But their defense is one of the best in the NFL. Adding Richardson would only make the rich, richer.

Richardson could slide in at defensive end opposite J.J. Watt. Jadeveon Clowny could then play outside linebacker full time opposite Whitney Mercilus.

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Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are a young, talented team ready to breakout. If quarterback Derek Carr stays healthy, they could be a Super Bowl contender. Their defensive front is already good with Khalil Mack and (if he ever gets reinstated) Aldon Smith at defensive end. Richardson, in this situation, would slide in at defensive tackle.

It's not the perfect fit, but coach Jack Del Rio may want to take the chance. It's worth it for a team hoping to compete for a title.

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Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks seem like a team aware their championship window is closing. Guys like cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Kam Chancellor aren't getting any younger. Other key players (tight end Jimmy Graham) have contracts set to expire.

They've got one, maybe two years left with this current group of players. Adding Richardson could help.

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Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals don't really need Richardson, but they've dealt with players like him before. Cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones is a perfect example. No player was more troubled than him, and he completely turned his career around, thanks to coach Marvin Lewis.

Richardson would benefit from playing for Lewis, and the Bengals could use him on defense. It's a win-win.

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