Seattle Seahawks should bring back Richard Sherman

Chip Clark   |  

May 20, 2021

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When you get down to it, there are several good reasons why Richard Sherman coming back to the Seattle Seahawks makes sense for both sides.

After three seasons in San Francisco, cornerback Richard Sherman is a free agent again. According to ESPN, the Seattle Seahawks already spoke to him about rejoining the team. It’s a great idea to bring him back to the Emerald City for another run at a championship. Here are a few reasons why.

Something left in the tank

Sherman only played in five games last year due to a calf injury. The year before, he was a Pro-Bowler and Pro Football Focus’ top-graded cornerback. Despite the 2020 injury, he was ranked among the top 40.

If Sherman is healed, that’s three-quarters of a year less wear and tear. Even at 33-years-old, it’s evident that there is plenty left in the tank. That’s something the Seahawks can make good use of.

A little thin

Former Seahawks Pro-Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin left in the offseason as a free agent. To replace Griffin, Seattle signed Ahkello Witherspoon. He joins D.J. Reed as the Seahawks projected starters in 2021. Also on the team are Tre Flowers, fourth-round pick Tre Brown, and Pierre Desir.

It’s a somewhat young and unproven group with a high upside. Witherspoon and Reed have a combined 46 starts, and neither started more than 12 games in a season. Although Reed did a good job replacing Quinton Dunbar last season, he’s still inexperienced.

Also, with the new 17-game schedule, depth is a huge issue. 12s need to look no further than last season to know how vital a deep secondary is to the team. Sherman would give Seattle three starting-caliber corners.

Leadership

Sherman is a few years older and hopefully a little wiser than when he was previously with the Seattle Seahawks. As one of the former Legion of Boom, Sherman has instant credibility. He was a leader before and can be a mentor to the young cornerbacks on the roster, as well as a bridge to the next generation.

Is the price right?

According to ESPN, Sherman has been in contact with several teams, including the Seahawks. Obviously, there is interest from both parties. At this point, it’s all about which organization is willing to pay how much. And is that amount acceptable to Sherman?

Wrap up

Richard Sherman isn’t going to get an average of $10M per season anymore as he did with his last contract. Corners his age don’t get paid anywhere near that much. Throw in the fact that this is a buyers market, and a reasonable deal can be made. There aren’t many teams he can join that have a decent chance to gon to the NFC Championship Game.

The NFL is a business. Sure, Sherman ran his mouth when he left the Seahawks three seasons ago. His pride was hurt, and it got the better of him. Also, that’s what he does. Everyone knows it’s his M.O. The team is willing to look past their previous divorce, or they wouldn’t have met with him.

Romanticizing about the past is irrelevant. Sherman can help the Seattle Seahawks win football games in 2021. That’s what matters.

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What do you think about Richard Sherman reuniting with the Seattle Seahawks? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.