Report: Sherman not participating in Seahawks' voluntary workouts

Perhaps the football world shouldn't be expecting trade talk surrounding Richard Sherman to fade away any time soon.

Seattle's star cornerback will not be in attendance when the Seahawks begin their offseason workout program Tuesday, Albert Breer of The MMQB reports, citing a source.

The first stage of the offseason program, based primarily on strength and conditioning rather than any sort of on-field work, is considered voluntary.

Sherman is thus well within his rights to sit out, and Breer adds that he's still expected to report before OTAs get underway at the end of May.

But it's no secret that teams expect their players to be available and ready to work. Sherman's absence, however minor it may prove to be down the road, will only continue to fuel speculation that he could be traded at some point this offseason.

Both Seahawks officials and Sherman have admitted to an open dialogue about such a possibility. While they've said that such a deal is unlikely, the fact that the team is willing to move its star defender is extremely telling.

Related - Report: Seahawks want 1st- and mid-round picks to move Sherman

Sherman, 29, is coming off a season in which he tallied four interceptions and 13 passes defensed en route to a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

Age would certainly be a factor in any negotiations that may take place in the coming weeks, but it's safe to assume there would be a number of contenders that see him as a final piece for a championship-caliber roster.