Richard Sherman is still a free agent, but it doesn’t seem like the 11-year pro will remain available much longer.
Sherman was arrested during the 2021 NFL offseason and has been undergoing therapy, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Multiple teams across the NFL are showing an interest in Sherman in wake of his progress. That includes the Buccaneers, 49ers and Seahawks, all teams that have a need at the cornerback position.
The Buccaneers are thin in the secondary, as Sean Murphy-Bunting is out with a dislocated elbow while fellow starting cornerback, Carlton Davis, is dealing with a hamstring injury. Sherman would bring needed depth an experience to the Tampa Bay cornerback room, so he could be a fit there.
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The 49ers are in a similar situation. They lost No. 1 corner Jason Verrett to a torn ACL and signed Josh Norman to help replace him. They could sign Sherman to add another physical veteran to their cornerback room.
The Seahawks would provide Sherman an opportunity to reunite with the team that drafted him. Pete Carroll’s defense is largely relying on young cornerbacks to carry the load, so perhaps Sherman could add depth there. Or he could replace Ahkello Witherspoon, another former 49er who the Seahawks signed in free agency and then traded to the Steelers ahead of the season.
Sherman, 33, played for the 49ers during the 2020 season. He played in just five games while dealing with a calf strain, recording 18 tackles and one interception. He has been named an AP All-Pro three times during his career and won Super Bowl 48 during his time with the Seahawks.
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Why was Richard Sherman arrested?
Sherman was arrested during the 2021 NFL offseason after attempting to break into his in-laws’ house. He faced burglary domestic violence charges and had been behaving erratically on the night of his arrest, as the Associated Press detailed.
Sherman was belligerent, had been drinking heavily and spoke of killing himself when he left his home in the Seattle suburb of Maple Valley late Tuesday, according to police reports.
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Sherman later noted that he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions and the judge released him on his own recognizance. The burglary domestic violence charges were later dropped, but he is still facing four misdemeanors.
The NFL is reviewing Sherman’s legal situation, per Pelissero. He is facing DUI charges, which comes with a minimum three-game suspension, per the NFL’s substance abuse policy. However, the league usually waits to enforce discipline until the legal process is complete, so Sherman may be able to right away for whichever team signs him.