3 teams that could try to trade for Richard Sherman
The Seattle Seahawks could be willing to listen to trade offers for cornerback Richard Sherman, if the rumors are true.
Former NFL executive Mike Lombardi said this week on "The Ringer NFL Show" that he's heard the Seahawks would consider trading their soon-to-be 29-year-old star "for the right deal."
Sherman is still a game-changing presence, but he's looked a little more vulnerable in recent seasons and it's possible his outspoken personality (that has included very public arguments with teammates and coaches) could be wearing thin in Seattle. Sherman is owed a combined $22.43 million over the next two seasons, which the Seahawks could view as a little too pricey.
If the Seahawks are willing to listen to offers for Sherman, here are three teams that should get on the phone immediately:
Saints
We know the Saints are considering making a move to acquire Patriots RFA Malcolm Butler, which would require sending the Super Bowl champions the 11th overall pick if the Saints sign Butler to a deal the Patriots don't match.
It might be a better strategy for the Saints to pivot to Sherman, who could potentially be added without surrendering the 11th pick - though he certainly won't come cheap. The Saints showed they have an affinity for big perimeter defenders when they signed former Seahawks corner Brandon Browner in 2015. (Sherman is 6-foot-3.)
Possible offer: 32nd overall pick + 3rd-rd pick (76th)
Panthers
The Panthers made the Super Bowl with shutdown cornerback Josh Norman in the lineup, then let him walk and watched their defense fall back to the pack and their team fail to make the playoffs. Adding Sherman could get things back on track in a hurry.
Sherman's big personality wouldn't be a problem for head coach Ron Rivera, whose management of Cam Newton's foibles has been impressive.
Possible offer: 2nd-rd pick (40th) + 2018 1st-rd pick
Titans
The Titans signed Logan Ryan in free agency, but they would surely like to upgrade on Jason McCourty at their other starting cornerback slot and turn an area of weakness into a real strength. They also have two first-round picks, which mitigates the pain of trading away such a high-value draft asset.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson has shown a propensity for trading. Could he entice the Seahawks with the 18th overall pick plus a little something extra?
Possible offer: 18th overall pick + 4th-rd pick (124th)