Seahawks Rumors: Sherman, Chancellor, Schneider

Earlier today, Seahawks general manager John Schneider confirmed the Richard Sherman trade talks are “real,” citing a need for open communication with his star corner. The Patriots are known to have interest in Sherman, but New England reportedly won’t aggressively pursue the 29-year-old unless it loses fellow cornerback Malcolm Butler.

Let’s take a look at a few more notes out of Seattle, including items on Sherman and one of his defensive backfield mates:

• While the odds remain in favor of Sherman suiting up for the Seahawks in 2017, the club simply wants to maintain a “direct dialogue” with him, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. That’s especially important given that Sherman is acting as his own representation for the time being. Sherman never found another agent after Ben Dogra was hit with NFLPA sanctions. No contract is being discussed in the Sherman situation (unless the Patriots or another wants to rework his deal), but Seattle presumably wants to keep Sherman in the loop as it discusses his future.
• Sherman’s brother, who also acts as the manager of the Richard Sherman Family Foundation, believes a trade would be welcomed by the Seahawks corner, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. “[The Seahawks] are making it seem like they don’t need him,” said Branton Sherman. “This is the same player that everyone doubted and denied, saying he’s too tall, too slow, his hips aren’t good enough, fifth-rounder. This is a new chip Richard is going to use. He’s going to be like, ‘You think you can trade me? I’m going to show you guys. That you would even talk about trading me…’ This is a new obstacle, mentally.”
• A potential Sherman trade is the most pressing matter for the Seahawks at present, but the club may also be considering an extension for safety Kam Chancellor, as Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com writes. Head coach Pete Carroll admitted Seattle may want to get a deal done with Chancellor, who is entering the final year of his contract, but terms may be difficult to agree to. Chancellor will likely be looking to match or exceed the four-year, ~$55MM deal the Dolphins recently handed to Reshad Jones, per Kapadia, but the franchise tag could also be an option in 2018.