Report: Richard Sherman, San Francisco 49ers nearing long-term deal
Richard Sherman is one of the biggest names on the NFL market after the Seattle Seahawks released him. According to a report Saturday, Sherman is close to signing with the NFC West-rival San Francisco 49ers.
When it comes to sources, it doesn’t get much better than the player himself.
None other than cornerback Richard Sherman himself confirmed to ESPN’s Josina Anderson on Saturday that he and the San Francisco 49ers are discussing a potential three-year deal:
I'm told free agent CB Richard Sherman is discussing a potential 3-year deal with the #49ers, per Sherman.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 10, 2018
The report comes on the heels of the NFC West-rival Seattle Seahawks informing Sherman on Friday that he was being released. The Seahawks drafted Sherman in the fifth round in 2011, and this marks his first opportunity to play for any other team after seven seasons in Seattle.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks listed Sherman as a failed physical designation. Sherman underwent surgery on his left Achilles earlier this month after rupturing it in November, ending his season.
Per Around the NFL’s Kevin Petra, Sherman is expected to be ready to go by the start of training camp.
Sherman, who played college football at Stanford, would reportedly prefer to stay on the West Coast, per Rapoport:
Former #Seahawks CB Richard Sherman has a strong affinity for the West Coast, and the scheme #49ers DC Robert Saleh runs is a familiar one. As long as the Niners are comfortable with his health, this one makes sense. Sherman would be close to where he played at Stanford.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2018
There is no shortage of suitors for the cornerback’s services; Sherman also told Anderson on Friday night he has received interest from the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.
Spotrac estimates Sherman’s market value at $10.5 million annually. The four-time Pro Bowler will turn 30 at the end of this month.
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Because Sherman was released by the Seahawks, he can sign with any team at any time without waiting for the start of the new league year on Mar. 14. According to ESPN, Sherman is acting as his own agent as he meets with the 49ers to discuss a potential long-term contract.