The Seahawks aren’t ruling out trading cornerback Richard Sherman, but “odds are” he’ll stay put, general manager John Schneider told 710 ESPN Radio on Thursday. If Sherman does return to the Seahawks for a seventh season, there’s unlikely to be any behind-the-scenes drama, as Schneider insists that “everything is fine” between the two sides (all Twitter links via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times).
While Sherman reportedly requested a trade, Schneider indicated that shopping him is a mutual decision based on “constant communication” with the corner. Asked why the Seahawks would deal Sherman, a three-time first-team All-Pro, Schneider reasoned that doing so would enable the club “to create cap room” and “become a younger football team.” Sherman is set to play his age-29 season in 2017, in which he’s due to earn an $11.4MM-plus base salary and count over $13.6MM against the cap. He’s under contract for similar numbers ($11MM and $13.2MM) in 2018, the final year of his deal.
Despite Sherman’s age and expensive price tag, the Seahawks are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in this year’s draft and a conditional mid-rounder in 2018 for him. They’re not out of line to place a high asking price on Sherman, of course, as the playmaker has never missed a game and is coming off his sixth straight 16-start season. Sherman picked off four passes in 2016, giving him 30 for his career, and ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 13th-best corner.
As a lifelong Seahawks fan when Shead went down this possibility went out the window. Sherman is one of my guys and is clutch in crunch time. Looking to a less drama Sherm this year
Moral of the story. When you need 1 yard, run the dang ball.