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Richard Sherman: Ranking potential trade destinations

By Brad Berreman

Nov 13, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after stopping the New England Patriots at the goal line during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after stopping the New England Patriots at the goal line during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw-Getty Images /

3. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ decision to rescind the franchise tag on Josh Norman last offseason wound up hurting them, as they were forced to rely on a group of unproven cornerbacks and finished 29th in the league against the pass (268.2 yards per game).

Carolina has added a couple pieces to their secondary in free agency, bringing back cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and signing safety Mike Adams. But Munnerlyn is best used as a slot corner, and while Adams has 12 interceptions over the last three seasons he is obviously not a No.1, shutdown corner that still stands out as a need for the Panthers.

Without any further moves or restructuring of current contracts, Carolina has enough 2017 salary cap space (approximately $17.8 million) to take on Sherman’s contract as-is right now. So a trade looks viable based on that alone, with what Seattle may be looking to get in return as an equally important factor.

It’s easy to forget the Panthers are just one season removed from a Super Bowl appearance. So a quick rebound back to toward the top of the NFC South, and the NFC as a whole, can’t be ruled out with plenty of talent in place and a top-10 pick in April’s draft. Adding Sherman to the fold would addresses a clear need on the back end of the defense, and make the Panthers a potential Super Bowl contender entering the 2017 season.

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