The Seahawks have officially released cornerback Richard Sherman. Sherman will be free to explore free agency and his seven-year run with the Seahawks may come to an end. 
[RELATED: Seahawks Trade Michael Bennett To Eagles]
Interestingly, Sherman says that the door to a return is not completely closed.
“They are gonna let me explore free agency with the hope that I can return,” Sherman told ESPN.com’s Josina Anderson (on Twitter). “They just wanted the financial flexibility.”
By cutting Sherman, the Seahawks will save $11MM for the coming year. He stands as one of the best free agents cornerbacks available, along with Trumaine Johnson and Malcolm Butler.
Sherman’s offseason departure from Seattle has been a rumored possibility for months, though the Seahawks probably tried to talk Sherman into taking a pay cut. Since Sherman should be able to come close to his $11MM salary in free agency, a substantial pay cut didn’t make much sense for him. The Seahawks also dangled Sherman in trade talks, but they apparently did not find a deal to their liking. There was also a question of whether Sherman would actually be able to be traded before passing a physical.
Given that Sherman should still find a competitive market for his services, it’s hard to envision him re-signing with the Seahawks. In order for that to happen, Sherman would probably have to give Seattle some degree of a hometown discount.
Sherman is still rehabbing from surgery to fix a torn Achilles as well as a minor surgery to remove a bone spur. By his own estimation, he expects to be able to resume training by June. His medical issues may limit his market somewhat, but teams will still line up to try and sign one of the league’s most impactful cornerbacks.
Sherman has three First-Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods to his credit and was a driving force behind the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory to cap the 2013 season. The cornerback is in a rare class of athletes for Seattle fans and his release is sure to upset many. Ultimately, cutting Sherman was not something the Seahawks wanted to do, but something they basically had to do in order to address other needs for the upcoming season. Heading into this week, the Seahawks were in the bottom third of the league in cap space and trailed every other team in the NFC West in flexibility. Between the trades of Michael Bennett and the release of Sherman, they have a bit more room to work with.
We heard last week that Sherman would be receptive to joining the Patriots, so that’s a team to watch as he explores the market.
still saying Patriots
agree if not, then SF
He’s not wanted in sf
Why?
He’s still pretty good. He might be good enough to sign up and play for the Crimson Tide.
The Legion of Gloom
I bet he’s able to get $8MM+ on a one year deal even coming off a significant injury… I don’t think he’s a headcase, just opinionated.. I don’t think it will be with the Seahawks though.
Agreed and agreed. Opinionated and passionate.
I don’t necessarily love the fit but if he’s open to a one year deal id like to see him in a colts uniform. The team can use experience and he’s a playmaker. We clearly need more than one solid addition to the D but he would be a nice starting point for this offseason to add to some of the role players we got last offseason.
Kansas City could definitely use him after trading away peters.
I don’t think that KC has the cap room.
Jets have the money why not use it
100% Patriots
he’s going to have to put a sock in it then like Moss did while with the Pats. they won’t accept the constant trash talk in public
It would be Sherman’s greatest challenge but he’s gotten older and more mature so his need to speak out on everything has naturally died down some. Maybe Sherman could make it into the Pats.
They need cap space. Bennett trade really did not create any cap space tbh, 2.2M but cutting Sherman saves 11M. That’s huge. Won’t be surprised if Earl Thomas is traded to save 8.5M, he’ll be 29 before the season. They could go after Eric Reid as a replacement who will turn 27 mid-season. If the Eagles cut Jason Peters, he could find himself in Seattle for a season. Hawks need OL and youth on defense. Which is why they took a chance on Jordan.
I was wondering if the Eagles would find a way to get him too. Instead of resigning Robinson, let him walk and cut/trade Curry and Peters. Give him the show me deal. If this was a few years ago, nobody would do this with Philly. Can’t hurt for one year.
Just kidding. They just got a CB from Carolina.
He would probably cost too much.
Why release him then they should release the whole d. Sherman was a big part of it. Seattle gonna suck this year
Pats Pats Pats
Browns Browns Browns
sigh………
No
It’s called humor. Relax, dude.
No
packers
I agree great fit, and great need stays in the NFC. The Packers have to be able to find a C.B. that can actually cover.
Lions, lions, lions
BEARS!!!
Panthers better at least try to get him.
Pittsburgh could use him.
End of an era. The Legion of Boom may be over but won’t be forgotten. At least they got a ring. 2012-2015 was a real fun ride. Thanks Sherman
Agreed. An iconic group of players that really changed the way the league evaluates and values cornerbacks.
Jets go get him
Cowboys
He will go to the Redskins. You heard it here first.
Black and gold.
Actually he should go to one of the Seahawks rivals like the Rams
Gonna be a spoiler and tell you all that Baltimore gets him
I know it is a long shot but I would like to see Sherman in Tennessee. They need a good C.B. to pair with Ryan and put Jackson in the slot coverage.