Richard Sherman - Pro Football Rumors

Buccaneers Host Richard Sherman

September 28th, 2021 at 10:30am CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers are meeting with Richard Sherman (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). This marks Sherman’s first free agent visit of the season, though he has interest from multiple contenders (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero).

Sherman, a five-time Pro Bowler, could join the Bucs in time for this week’s matchup against the Patriots. He’d go a long way towards filling in for the Bucs’ litany of injuries in the secondary. So far, they’re down Sean Murphy-Bunting (elbow), Jamel Dean (knee), and Carlton Davis (abdomen; ribs). Dean should return sometime soon, but he probably won’t be ready for Week 4.

Sherman made headlines for all the wrong reasons this summer, but he has reportedly received counseling since his July arrest. Meanwhile, his former employers — the 49ers and Seahawks — have both expressed interest in recent months. Ultimately, the defending champs could come away with the former Legion of Boom leader, who is reportedly back to the weight of his salad days.

The 33-year-old turned in a so-so 2018 for the Niners, rebounded for a strong 2019, and lost much of 2020 to injury. Even though he’s no longer in his prime, Sherman could provide a big and timely boost for the Bucs.

49ers Won’t Rule Out Richard Sherman

September 24th, 2021 at 12:13pm CST by Zachary Links

Could Richard Sherman return to SF? When speaking with reporters, 49ers GM John Lynch wouldn’t rule out the possibility (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News).

“He handled himself incredibly well,” Lynch said of Sherman, who has not been signed since his off-the-field incident in July. “He had a momentary lapse and has to be held accountable for that; he understands that. He also has a decade of doing good for people and overcoming challenges.”

This jibes with recent word that Sherman is a possibility for the Niners, as well as the Buccaneers and Seahawks. Still, Lynch doesn’t sound like he’s ready to put a deal on the table just yet.

“We’re good with where we are at [with our cornerbacks right now],” Lynch said. “Who knows? We could need him down the road. Most of all, I’m pulling for him and his family. He’s going to overcome this and do great things.”

Sherman, 33, was a Seahawks a cap casualty in 2018. That brought him to the Niners, where he turned in a so-so 2018 and a strong 2019. That year, he earned a second-team All-Pro nod while helping the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. A calf injury kept Sherman out of eleven games last year, but the accomplished cover man is said to be in good shape. He may still have a suspension on the horizon, but he’ll likely land a deal sometime this year.

Richard Sherman Reunion Remains On Seahawks’ Radar

September 22nd, 2021 at 9:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

After several weeks off the grid, Richard Sherman has now been connected to three teams since his July arrest. The former All-Pro cornerback has spoken with the Buccaneers and 49ers, and Albert Breer of SI.com notes a Seahawks reunion remains on the table.

The Seahawks and Sherman had discussions this offseason, and the 10-year veteran was open to returning to the team. But nothing materialized. Sherman’s subsequent arrest, which produced five misdemeanor charges, paused his free agency bid. Although two of the five charges he is facing were said to include a “domestic violence element,” police say that Sherman never physically assaulted anyone. Momentum continues to build for Sherman to latch on with a team and play an 11th season.

Sherman, 33, is aiming toward playing this season, per Breer, who adds the Seahawks recently reached out to him. This creates an interesting in-season pursuit, with the 49ers and Sherman also engaging in dialogue recently.

While no deal is imminent between Sherman and the Bucs, the defending Super Bowl champions have done well to stock their roster with high-end veteran starters since acquiring Tom Brady. Should Sherman sign with Tampa Bay, he would make five All-Decade performers — along with Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown and Ndamukong Suh — to join the team in the past 18 months.

As for the Seahawks, they have been in need at corner for a while. After letting Shaquill Griffin walk in free agency, the Seahawks traded UFA addition Ahkello Witherspoon to the Steelers. Interestingly, Sherman helped steer Witherspoon, his former 49ers teammate, to Seattle. The Seahawks are using fellow ex-49er D.J. Reed and Tre Flowers as their boundary starters. The 49ers may possess a greater need, with Jason Verrett out for the year. This could set up an unusual early-season bidding war.

Seattle made Sherman a cap casualty in 2018, leading him to San Francisco. After an unremarkable 2018, Sherman re-emerged and earned second-team All-Pro acclaim while helping the 49ers to a Super Bowl. A calf injury kept Sherman out of 11 games last season, but the accomplished cover man is believed to have slimmed down to his Seahawks-years playing weight of around 195 pounds. A suspension may come down this season, or possibly be tabled until 2022, but Sherman could well be on his way to playing a key role in a loaded NFC West race.

Buccaneers Have Contacted Richard Sherman

September 19th, 2021 at 10:05am CST by Rory Parks

Richard Sherman‘s July arrest put quite a damper on his market, but things are starting to heat back up. Several days ago, we heard that the 49ers remain interested in a reunion with the five-time Pro Bowler, and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported this morning that multiple teams have reached out to Sherman recently.

One of those teams is the Buccaneers, who lost starting CB Sean Murphy-Bunting to a dislocated elbow in Week 1. Murphy-Bunting is now on IR and his return date is uncertain, so Tampa’s interest in a proven commodity like Sherman is certainly understandable.

It probably goes without saying, but nothing is imminent between Sherman and the Bucs at this point, as Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times tweets. However, ESPN’s Ed Werder says the two sides could engage in more serious discussions this week, depending (perhaps) on how Tampa’s current crop of CBs holds up against the Falcons this afternoon (Twitter link). Regardless, Sherman will probably need a week or two of practice to be ready for game action.

Pelissero offers more details on Sherman’s legal matter. Although two of the five charges he is facing were said to include a “domestic violence element,” police say that Sherman never physically assaulted anyone. A source close to the player himself says Sherman — who pleaded not guilty to all charges — has been doing magnetic therapy and speaking with a therapist.

Also, Sherman is back down to 195 pounds, which is where he was during his halcyon days in Seattle. He gained 15 pounds following his 2017 Achilles tear, and he played at that slightly elevated weight throughout most of his three-year tenure with the 49ers.

Of course, there is the potential for league discipline. The NFL is monitoring the criminal case but is unlikely to take any action until the legal process has run its course. So even if Sherman is available to play as soon as he signs, he could be hit with a suspension later on, perhaps at a critical juncture of the season. Indeed, Sherman is facing a driving under the influence charge, and the league’s substance-abuse policy calls for a minimum three-game ban for a first DUI offense.

For his part, Sherman expects to see the field at some point in 2021. Given the renewed interest in his services, it looks like he could be right.

49ers Discussed Trade For Vikings’ Cameron Dantzler; Richard Sherman Still On Radar

September 17th, 2021 at 4:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

After entering the season with a thinner cornerback depth chart than they featured in recent years, the 49ers have needed to make multiple additions over the past several days.

Josh Norman and Dre Kirkpatrick are now on San Francisco’s roster, with injuries — most notably Jason Verrett‘s ACL tear — moving the team to add veterans. The 49ers have been in discussions to keep bolstering their corner corps, with The Athletic’s David Lombardi reporting Richard Sherman remains on the team’s radar (subscription required).

The 49ers and Sherman still have mutual interest in a reunion, according to Lombardi. Sherman, 33, played the past three seasons with the 49ers but has run into off-field trouble. A July arrest brought five misdemeanor charges for the former All-Pro, who had been on a few teams’ radars this offseason. This marks Sherman’s first known connection to a team since the arrest.

Initially, the 49ers and Sherman agreed to part ways ahead of free agency. But Sherman did not land anywhere in free agency. In May, the prospect of Sherman returning to San Francisco surfaced. The Raiders, Saints and Seahawks also held discussions with the acclaimed defender. Norman and Kirkpatrick’s arrivals notwithstanding, Sherman would help the 49ers further address a key need. After missing Week 1, outside corner Emmanuel Moseley is doubtful for San Francisco’s Week 2 tilt in Philadelphia with a knee injury.

These issues also prompted the 49ers to look to the trade market. The team inquired about Vikings corner Cameron Dantzler, Lombardi adds. Minnesota made the 2020 third-round pick a healthy scratch in Week 1. Dantzler started 11 games as a rookie but is now behind offseason additions Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland. For now, the Vikings are holding off on a Dantzler deal. The 49ers then moved to Kirkpatrick, whom they auditioned earlier this year.

With Kirkpatrick and Norman in place as stopgaps, San Francisco’s cornerback spot certainly stands as a situation to monitor early in the season.

Richard Sherman Pleads Not Guilty

July 16th, 2021 at 6:03pm CST by Zachary Links

Former 49ers and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman pleaded not guilty to five misdemeanor charges on Friday (via Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle). Sherman could more than 450 days in jail if he’s convicted of all charges.

Police say that Sherman, 33, attempted to break into his in-laws’ home in Washington. Previous to that, Sherman was involved in a single-car hit and run incident. According to the authorities, Sherman was combative when cops arrived on the scene, leading them to use a K-9 during the arrest. For his part, Sherman has vowed to seek treatment.

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night,” Sherman said in a statement. “I behaved in a manner I am not proud of. I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need. I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time.”

Sherman’s wife, Ashley Moss, has also offered public support for her partner.

“At this time we’re going to make no statements, except he didn’t harm anybody,” Moss said. “My kids were not harmed in the incident. He’s a good person and this is not his character. We’re doing all right, just trying to get him out. I want people to know no one was injured.”

Richard Sherman Charged With Five Misdemeanors

July 16th, 2021 at 2:42pm CST by Zachary Links

Richard Sherman has been charged with five misdemeanors stemming from his arrest earlier this week. The free agent cornerback will have to answer to charges of resisting arrest, criminal trespassing in the second degree, reckless endangerment of roadway crews, driving under the influence, and malicious mischief (via Mike Carter of the Seattle Times). Two of those charges include an attachment of a “domestic-violence element.”

If convicted across the board, Sherman could face up to 450+ days in jail. However, as a first-time offender, additional jail time doesn’t seem likely. Sherman, who was released from custody on Thursday, has since released a statement and vowed to straighten out his personal life.

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night,” Sherman wrote. “I behaved in a manner I am not proud of. I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need. I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time.”

Sherman, 33, has said that he wants to continue playing. Of course, he has other matters to address before returning to the workout circuit.

Richard Sherman Released From Jail

July 15th, 2021 at 8:40pm CST by Ben Levine

Following yesterday’s arrest, Richard Sherman was released from jail this evening without bail, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (via Twitter). Sherman doesn’t face any felony charges, but the judge still found probable cause on four offenses (via ESPN): “misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass in the second degree and malicious mischief in the third degree — both carrying domestic violence designations — and misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and driving under the influence.”

The judge declined to set bail, describing Sherman as a “pillar of the community” while observing that this was the athlete’s first arrest. The judge set several conditions, including no contact with Sherman’s father-in-law, no use of alcohol or nonprescription drugs, and no possession of a weapon. Sherman’s next hearing is set for Friday.

As CBS Sports Legal Analyst Amy Dash notes on Twitter, Sherman is unlikely to see any additional jail time. As a result of the misdemeanor charges and the player’s lack of criminal history, it’s more likely that Sherman strikes a deal that sees him going on “probation with conditions, community service, and a program.”

The ESPN report provides a few more details on Wednesday morning’s arrest. Officers were reportedly “cautious about arresting Sherman because of his size, strength and belligerence,” and they ultimately released a police dog that caused a minor cut on the player’s ankle. Further, back in February, prosecutors ordered an “extreme risk protection order,” which prevented Sherman from possessing guns after it was determined the 33-year-old was a danger to himself and others. Sherman’s wife later told police that her husband had been using antidepressants and was receiving counseling.

An NFL spokesman previously confirmed that Sherman could face discipline from the league depending on the outcome of the case (Twitter link). Today’s developments would likely bode well for Sherman’s chances of avoiding a suspension.

Richard Sherman’s Wife: ‘No One Was Injured’, Additional Details On Arrest

July 14th, 2021 at 2:29pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Another update to pass along in the developing Richard Sherman case. The star cornerback was arrested early this morning for “burglary domestic violence,” and that’s not all.

He’s also being investigated for a hit and run an hour or so prior to the incident, and police say a K9 was used to take him down after he became “combative” with them. Needless to say, it’s a serious situation, but fortunately it now sounds like the worst was avoided. Even though he was arrested for alleged domestic violence, Sherman’s wife Ashley Moss issued a statement to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times that nobody was hurt.

“At this time we’re going to make no statements, except he didn’t harm anybody,” Moss said. “My kids were not harmed in the incident. He’s a good person and this is not his character. We’re doing all right, just trying to get him out. I want people to know no one was injured.”

As Moss alluded to the family is still trying to get him out of jail because he’s currently being held without bail. They might have to wait a bit. Sherman hasn’t been formally charged yet and can’t be until he appears in court, which won’t be until Thursday afternoon, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. So Sherman will remain in King County Correctional Facility for at least another day.

This is great news that there apparently wasn’t any physical violence, but it certainly doesn’t mean that Sherman is off the hook. He still may be in big trouble, and it will likely take a while to fully play out. We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.

Richard Sherman Also Being Investigated For Hit And Run, More Details On Arrest

July 14th, 2021 at 12:51pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

We continue to get new details on the Richard Sherman, and things continue to look worse for the free agent cornerback. In addition to his arrest for “burglary domestic violence,” Sherman is also being investigated for a hit and run and “damage to state Department of Transportation property,” Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

“State police say that at about 1:00 a.m. PT, they received a report of a single-car incident” where a car struck a concrete barrier, Schefter writes. The driver of the car “was able to drive the vehicle off the exit and abandoned it in a nearby parking lot. The registration was run, and it came back to Richard Sherman.”

That’s not good. That apparently happened at 1 a.m., and then the call to police from a relative of Sherman’s partner was placed at 2 a.m. The phone call alleged Sherman was trying to force his way into the home, and he was arrested when police arrived.

Meanwhile, a report from TMZ has more details on the arrest. According to TMZ police are claiming that Sherman “became uncooperative and combative during questioning,” and that a K9 was eventually deployed to take him down.

That would explain why he was taken to a local hospital to check for injuries. It’s a scary and sad situation, and one that could take a while to play out.

This isn’t shocking, but an NFL spokesman confirmed to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times that Sherman could face discipline from the league depending on the outcome of the case (Twitter link). No matter what, this certainly won’t help his slow-developing free agency, and don’t expect to see him signed any time soon.