News broke around the NFL world on Wednesday that All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman’s time with the Seattle Seahawks will soon come to an end. It started with multiple teammates pretty much saying their goodbyes to one of the best defensive backs of the modern era. Sherman also reportedly told his teammates recently that he was not going to return to the Seahawks — something his mother later confirmed.
The backdrop here is a meeting that apparently took place between Sherman and the Seahawks in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Following said meeting, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Seattle is expected to explore trade possibilities for the 29-year-old corner. The insider notes that a release is possible and that Sherman could potentially return at a lower cost in 2018.
Following #Seahawks CB Richard Sherman’s meeting with team brass, they are expected to explore trade options, I’m told. They could trade him or release him, or potentially keep him (likely at a different salary).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2018
At this point, it’s pretty safe to say that Sherman’s time with the Seahawks is coming to an end. Whether that means he is traded or released is not yet known. What we do know is that he can’t technically be traded until he passes a physical. After suffering a torn Achilles last season and undergoing recent surgery on his other Achilles, it’s highly unlikely Sherman will be able to pass said physical any time soon.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Sherman is set to count $13.2 million against the cap in 2018. Seattle would save $11 million in cap room by releasing the veteran. Though, that comes with a bit of a risk in and of itself. Should Sherman hit free agency, it’s highly likely the division-rival San Francisco 49ers would come calling. Does Seattle want to face Sherman twice per season? We’re not too sure about that. On the other hand, trading Sherman would guarantee that he doesn’t remain in the NFC West.