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Richard Sherman trade rumors: Seahawks fielding offers

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 14, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) walks off the field after losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional playoff at Georgia Dome. Atlanta won 36-20. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) walks off the field after losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional playoff at Georgia Dome. Atlanta won 36-20. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Seahawks are exploring trading Legion of Boom leader Richard Sherman.

Richard Sherman has been the face of the franchise for the Seattle Seahawks since he emerged as one of the NFL’s elite corners. The team has seen him grow from a fifth round pick of the 2011 draft to a shutdown cornerback. Sherman helped lead the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Had Seattle ran the ball instead of passing it, he might have led them to consecutive Lombardi Trophies. But because of their salary cap situation, they might be forced to trade him. Head coach Pete Carroll addressed these rumors at the NFL meetings.

"“You’re either competing or you’re not,” he said, via ESPN. “And so we’ve always had to be open for everything, every suggestion that comes along. There have been some teams that have called, and so we’ve talked about it. But he’s extremely important to our football team. I don’t see anything happening at all.”"

While Carroll didn’t deny the rumors, it appears it’s not very likely the Seahawks will trade Sherman. After signing a four-year deal in 2014, he has two years left on his contract. In each of his remaining two seasons, Sherman will have a cap hit of over $13 million. In six seasons, he has 30 interceptions, the most in the NFL since 2011.

Must Read: Ranking Richard Sherman Potential Trade Destinations

Sherman’s best years are likely behind him. He probably won’t get eight interceptions again like he did in 2012 and 2013. Sherman has 342 tackles in his career and has started each game in the past five seasons. If the Seahawks trade him, he should fetch them a nice return. While he’s expensive, he also remains one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. Sherman has a Super Bowl championship, proving his leadership.

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