San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018
By Chris Wilson
7. CB Richard Sherman
When the Seattle Seahawks cut cornerback Richard Sherman, it was fitting for the outspoken star to immediately sign with his former team’s hated rival. Although the image of Sherman in red and gold initially turned the stomachs of many San Francisco fans, now that the dust has settled, the majority of the fan base has welcomed him with open arms.
Sherman also won over the team’s players, including those who openly admitted they hated the cornerback as an obnoxious opponent. Sherman immediately stepped into a leadership role for the 49ers, and even earned himself a new nickname with the team:
Adrian Colbert is the 49ers nickname maker: He’s named Jimmy Garoppolo “James” and Richard Sherman “Uncle Sherm.” I don’t think either player is too pleased; Sherman openly disapproves (makes him feel old), Garoppolo says the last person who called him James was his grandma.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) June 13, 2018
Although Sherman has done an admirable job teaching the team’s young secondary during his rehabilitation, the 49ers signed the veteran to be a shutdown cornerback, not a coach. If Sherman returns to his pre-injury form, the 49ers’ secondary looks impressive on paper; but if Sherman is a shell of his former self, the Niners’ defense will suffer, and Sherman’s current honeymoon phase in San Francisco could be short-lived.