6 ideal landing spots for Richard Sherman
The Seattle Seahawks are looking toward the future - one which will not include at least two prominent figures who made up the Legion of Boom.
Richard Sherman, 29, was released by Seattle on Friday, marking the end - though perhaps temporarily - to his seven-year tenure with the only professional team he's ever played for.
While Sherman is fully expected to test the free-agent market, a return to Seattle is a possibility. The front office, which made the decision to cut the cornerback to free up cap space, informed him that it hopes he will circle back to the Seahawks if he can't secure a new deal elsewhere.
Even with that in mind, it's more likely Sherman dons a new jersey in 2018. Despite his age (he turns 30 in a few weeks) and the fact he's coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, there will be suitors. Here are six ideal landing spots for the outspoken, and still valuable cornerback:
New England Patriots
It's all but impossible not to include the Patriots as a landing spot for Sherman. The local media is already expressing exuberant optimism that the shutdown corner will ship up to Boston and join Bill Belichick's squad. It's not difficult to imagine Sherman having an immediate impact in New England, a team that needs a replacement for Super Bowl XLIX hero and fellow corner Malcolm Butler.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are an intriguing and logical fit for Sherman, who would reunite with Dan Quinn and help a pass defense that ranked 19th in 2017. The Falcons head coach spent four years with Sherman in Seattle as an assistant and defensive line coach in 2009 and 2010, before rejoining the team as defensive coordinator in 2013 and winning Super Bowl XLVIII.
Oakland Raiders
Sherman has a history with Michael Crabtree, who now plays in Oakland. You might then wonder why Sherman would want to sign there. Winning, baby. Both athletes would surely put the past behind them if it meant Sherman joining the Raiders in an effort to take them to the next level. Another factor? Sherman was born and raised in Compton, Calif., and spent five years at Stanford. He'd also reunite with close friend and former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have little to no cap space, but that hasn't stopped Jerry Jones from spending big in the past. Another team coming off a poor season against the pass, Sherman would give Dallas a legit shutdown defender. He also has significant ties with newly appointed defensive backs coach Kris Richard, who was Seattle's cornerbacks coach in Sherman's rookie season, defensive backs coach from 2012 to 2014, and served as the Seahawks defensive coordinator up until this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a reasonable amount of cap space and could offer Sherman more than most teams. The California factor is also in play, and the front office might be inclined to present Sherman with a lot of money in an effort to round out an already talented cornerback group and help the Los Angeles defense take the next step. Continuing the trend of reuniting with former coaches, current defensive coordinator Gus Bradley spent two seasons in Seattle with Sherman in a similar role (2011-2012).
San Francisco 49ers
Going back to Sherman's beef with Crabtree, he and the 49ers aren't really known for their comradery. In the team's favor, though, is an abundance of cap space and a terrific opportunity to match the Los Angeles Rams' recent flurry of moves at corner, which include additions Marcus Peters, Sam Shields, and Aqib Talib. The 49ers themselves are in desperate need of an upgrade at the position after coming off a poor season in which defensive backs allowed 27 touchdowns and managed only 10 interceptions.
Sherman opting for San Francisco would be tough for the Seahawks and their fans, but what better way to get back at a team that released you than signing with its rivals?
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)