After three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Pro Bowl five-time cornerback Richard Sherman will likely play elsewhere in 2021. His time in San Francisco ended unceremoniously as he played only five games in 2020 due to an injury and recorded 18 combined tackles, a defended pass and an interception. With other important players owing extensions and the lack of space for the 49ers cap, it always seemed likely that the two sides would split up.
During a recent interview with Chris Biderman from The Sacramento BeeSherman revealed that he had a conversation with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, where the two sides agreed that they would probably split.
“It was pretty clear,” said Sherman. “It was a good conversation, nothing crazy. Just a good conversation about where they are and where I am, and their plans. We were both very positive and as good as you can be in a situation like this.”
The 49ers have several free agents that they will want to sign again, like left tackle Trent Williams and cornerback Jason Verrett, and then, of course, comes Fred Warner’s potential extension. As of now, 49ers have just over $ 13 million to work on the limit, according to Over The Cap.
Sherman spent his first seven years with the Seattle Seahawks, but was released after the 2017 season. Just a day after leaving Seattle, Sherman signed a three-year contract with his former rival in San Francisco. With him entering the 30-year season, many wondered if Sherman was the same ace who could lead a defense. He proved it was when his 2019 Pro Bowl campaign helped 49ers to reach Super Bowl LIV. Sherman says he loved his time in San Francisco and will certainly look back to an enjoyable time in his life and career.
“Very positive. It was an incredible chapter in my career and I got to meet and play with some incredible human beings,” said Sherman. “I met some phenomenal coaches and obviously the relationships that were forged will be a lifelong connection and my relationship with ‘The Faithful’ has obviously evolved during that time, which has been a really cool arc in history. And I am thankful for this. “
Sherman told Stephen A. Smith of ESPN earlier this month that he wants to play two more years with a competitive team. Although he appreciates the time he spent with the 49ers, Sherman knows that he still has a bit of tire tread and that it is an elite corner that can help another team compete for the Super Bowl.