Packers match Sean Richardson's offer sheet from Raiders

Sean Richardson, the three-year veteran safety, has been the center of much conjecture among Packers fans over the past week. The restricted free agent received the low "right of first refusal" tender from Ted Thompson and the Packers, a tender which was scheduled to pay him just over $1.5 million for the 2015 season.

Then, the Oakland Raiders made a play for Richardson's services, signing him to a one-year offer sheet worth $2.55 million (with much of it guaranteed if and when Richardson passes his physical for training camp). That left Thompson with a tough call - match the offer sheet and pay a special-teamer and reserve safety an extra million dollars or let him walk.

Well, here's the decision:

Sean Richardson tells me the #Packers have matched the Raiders' offer sheet. Richardson returns to Green Bay for 1 year, $2.5 million.

— Paul Imig (@Paulimig) April 13, 2015

Straight from the horse's mouth, that report is. With numerous key special-teamers departing Green Bay (Davon House, Brad Jones, and Jamari Lattimore to name a few) and a couple others currently unsigned (Jarrett Bush and John Kuhn), the Packers probably needed to keep one veteran contributor on the roster.

This deal also gives the Packers back their "big nickel" safety, as Richardson can come on the field on defense to provide run support when the team lines up with five defensive backs.

Welcome back, Sean!