SF 49ers: 5 free agents who won’t be back in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers Cornerback Richard Sherman
There’s always a chance, even with all these players listed, the SF 49ers are able to engineer some kind of bargain-basement, team-friendly deal to keep each in uniform next season.
Perhaps Richard Sherman, who negotiated his own three-year deal with the Niners back in 2018, winds up falling into that category after missing each game this year with a calf injury outside of Week 1.
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Yet there’s plenty of evidence to suggest San Francisco would want to move on despite the shortages it could have at the position next year.
For starters, Sherman will turn 33 years old before next season, and two of his three years with the team have been marked by extensive injuries. It’s anyone’s guess whether or not the SF 49ers would want to commit more money to a player getting close to the end of his career.
Plus, despite Sherman’s elongated absence this season, the Niners have still managed to boast one of the better pass defenses in the league — surprising, considering the lack of a true pass rush. Exceptional play from corners like Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams has been a key reason why, and there’s a good chance both of those players boast a higher upside in terms of re-signing.
Sherman’s mentorship and tutelage of San Francisco’s secondary have been awesome, and there’s no questioning his abilities as a team leader.
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But with the SF 49ers needing an extensive roster restructure, it doesn’t seem likely Sherman winds up returning in 2021.