Seahawks set to release star cornerback Sherman

The Seattle Seahawks cut ties on Friday with star cornerback Richard Sherman, who became one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks during his seven seasons with the team.

The team informed Sherman early in the day he would be released, and he confirmed the decision in a text message to The Associated Press. The move appeared to be building after he met with the team Wednesday to discuss his future. Sherman declined to comment after the meeting.

“Thank you for helping win championships, shape our culture and define success in Seattle,” the team said in a statement announcing the decision. “We love you and your unwavering competitiveness, confidence and fierce passion for football and life. For that, you will always be a Hawk!”

Sherman was an overlooked fifth-round draft pick who went on to become a twotime All-Pro who helped anchor a defense that was the league’s best for several years.

He will be 30 years old going into next season and coming off an Achilles tendon injury that cost him half of the 2017 season.

But the biggest reason for his release was financial. Sherman was due $13 million for the 2018 season and his release gives Seattle a salary cap savings of about $11 million.

Sources: Browns to acquire QB Taylor, WR Landry

CLEVELAND » Two people familiar with the trade say the Browns have agreed to acquire quarterback Tyrod Taylor from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

The teams came to terms on the deal Friday, said the people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Browns were expected to target a quarterback in free agency but instead have landed the dynamic Taylor, who will likely take over as Cleveland starter. The Browns are still expected to take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.

Earlier, the Browns worked out a trade with Miami for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

One of the sources said Miami will receive a draft pick this year and another in 2019, and neither is a first-rounder.

The Browns were desperate to land a playmaker such as Landry, who will complement former Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon.