Richard Sherman: Ranking potential trade destinations

If the Seattle Seahawks truly look to trade cornerback Richard Sherman, these five teams should have interest.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries last season, including a potentially controversial knee issue that was never put on an injury report, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman finished with a solidly representative four interceptions, 13 pass breakups and 58 total tackles as he earned a fourth straight Pro Bowl selection.

But Sherman is also known for his outspoken nature, and he openly clashed with Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during a game last season. There’s a fine line between causing distractions and remaining a productive player, and approaching 29 years old (March 30) Sherman may start to straddle that line soon.

Still, an indication from The Ringer’s Michael Lombardi that the Seahawks are open to trading Sherman is surprising. It’s a big step from a rumor to get attention and the Seahawks getting what Lombardi would classify as a “serious offer”, but even the faint possibility Sherman is available is interesting.

If the Seahawks are looking to trade Sherman, these five teams should have interest.

5. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons don’t have a lot of needs coming off a Super Bowl appearance, but the possibility to add a cornerback of Sherman’s caliber should be on the radar. He has two years and $22.4 million left on his contract, but at this point Atlanta has the salary cap space to take that on for at least 2017.

Falcons’ head coach Dan Quinn was Seattle’s defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, so the tie there is clear. If Sherman has any say in where he is dealt, if he is dealt of course, Atlanta may be his choice.