Richard Sherman‘s return to the NFL will reportedly wait a bit longer.
The Pro Bowl cornerback has reportedly laid out a timeline for when he hopes to sign with a new team, one that will allow him to avoid the rigors of training camp and set him up with a chance to win another title. A new report lays out the preferred destinations for the future Hall of Famer, which could include a return to Seattle or another season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Sherman To Skip Camp
As Ralph Vacchiano reported (via NBC Sports Edge), there is a belief around the league that Sherman plans to wait until after training camps have ended before signing with a new team. That would save some wear and tear on the 33-year-old, who has seen some of his abilities wane in recent seasons. As the report noted, Sherman only played in five contests in 2020 while facing injuries, though was able to hold quarterbacks to a 69.6 passer rating when targeted.
Sherman Wants Contender
As the NBC Sports Edge report noted, Sherman has a shortlist of preferred destinations with a few characteristics in common — mostly one that will keep him around the West Coast, and with a Super Bowl contender.
“Sherman wants to play for a contender, making a reunion with Jets coach Robert Saleh unlikely,” the report noted, adding that Sherman is likely looking at a “one-year, prove-it” contract. “He’s been in talks with the 49ers about a return, and had interest from the Seahawks, Saints, and Raiders this offseason.”
Return To San Francisco Could Be In Works
As NBC Sports Bay Area noted, Sherman has been in preliminary talks with the 49ers to return next season. He played at a high level in 2019 before losing most of 2020 to injury, the report noted, and could be a key part of the defense as San Francisco looks to return to Super Bowl contention.
As the report added, Sherman could return to a more limited role with the 49ers, as Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett appear to have the starting cornerback spots locked down.
Sherman Puts Off Retirement Rumors
As SI.com noted, Sherman put off rumors that he could be considering retirement, saying shortly after the season ended that he planned on playing at least two more seasons in the NFL and believed he had a lot to contribute.
“I think I still have a lot that I want to accomplish and I think I can go out there and help a defense come together like it should and reach their potential, reach the heights that the defenses that I’ve played on have reached,” he said.
