Where to next for 49ers captain Sherman?
Richard Sherman’s defection to the San Francisco 49ers three years ago was a surprise.
It shouldn’t have been. Their defense was ripe for his skillset, savviness and leadership.
He went from one of the 49ers’ all-time arch enemies with Seattle to a three-time captain for them. he reestablished himself as a Pro Bowl and AllPro during the 2019 journey to the Super Bowl, only for his troublesome calves get caught up in the 49ers’ injury curse last year. So where to next?
Sherman turns 33 on March 30. He’s maintained since December that he’ll be on the move again, with a couple more years to go before calling it a career.
That presumes his surgically repaired Achilles and calves are up for it rather than retire and count down the years to Canton, which would be an understandable exit:
The 49ers’ other top cornerbacks also are unsigned: Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams. The 49ers did re-sign a cornerback who Sherman has long stumped for: restricted free agent Emmanuel Moseley (two years, $10.5 million, according to ESPN).
Staying on or close to the West Coast seems most logical for Sherman. Let’s scout it out those and other options: SEAHAWKS >> A Seattle sequel is highly unlikely, especially if Russell Wilson remains there.
Suiting up for the Rams (or the Chargers) could appeal to Sherman, a Compton native, as he seeks another Super Bowl, which will be held at SoFi Stadium next season. Sherman’s only interception in last season’s injury-shortened season came in a win at the Rams, and he’d make for quite a Hollywood pairing with Jalen Ramsey (“ShermSey”).
CHARGERS >> The Chargers are an up-and-comer, and Sherman could help firstyear coach Brandon Staley’s transition, and he’d join Joey Bosa and Derwin James as defensive stars.
CARDINALS >> If he wants another NFC West team, Arizona also could work, though it’s splurged on a past-his-prime defender in J.J. Watt. A Patrick Peterson exit would open a spot for Sherman.
RAIDERS >> Vegas should be in play. Sherman and Raiders coach Jon Gruden already flirted on a podcast about their mutual affection for a potential union. His mentorship could be helpful for high draft picks in Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen.
OTHERS >> Having gone 1-for-3 in Super Bowl appearances, Sherman’s best path to improve on that mark would require a relocation to such locales as Buffalo, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Kansas City and Indianapolis
Pairing with Jaire Alexander as the Packers’ starting tandem could keep Sherman in NFC title contention. New Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could use Sherman for that unit’s needed makeover in the wide-open NFC East.
If Sherman flees to the AFC, the Bills need a left corner to replace Josh Norman, the Chiefs are moving all sorts of parts around (if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em), and the Colts make sense if Sherman thinks Carson Wentz truly can rebound.
Sherman shrewdly acted as his own agent when brokering his deal with the 49ers in 2017, from dining with Kyle Shanahan in Los Gatos to negotiating in the 49ers’ boardroom with their cap specialists.
His upcoming contract talks will challenge other front offices. Are the 49ers truly out of it? He’s said so — or at least he sandbagged it that way while acting as his own agent.