The Seattle Seahawks are open to trading Richard Sherman. This is known. Now we have an idea about what they’re looking for in return.
Hint: It’s not peanuts and crackerjacks.
“The Seahawks have let it be known they would consider trading Sherman, but only for ‘a very good player plus a high draft pick,’ according to an NFL source,” wrote Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. “And that’s just the team-to-team cost of a potential deal.”
Perhaps one thing that could potentially soften the blow and push down this asking price is that Sherman reportedly initiated all this trade talk, wanting out of Seattle (more on that here). If he wants out badly enough, then perhaps a team might get Seattle to back off its asking price a bit.
But if we’re being honest that likely isn’t going to happen. He’s a four-time First-Team All-Pro who just intercepted four passes a year ago and is still one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the leauge. Sherman is also under contract through the 2018 season, meaning Seattle is under no pressure to make a move or watch him walk.
The Oakland Raiders are a team that is reportedly interested in landing Sherman, and they might have the type of talent and draft capital Seattle is seeking in a deal. The New England Patriots have reportedly backed off their interest and are expected to retain Malcolm Butler. It remains to be seen if any other teams would be willing to make a bold move for a top-tier player of his caliber.
This will be an interesting story to follow as the draft draws near.