3 veteran corners SF 49ers can sign to replace Richard Sherman
By Peter Panacy
It’s looking less and less like Richard Sherman will return to the SF 49ers in 2021, meaning these veteran free agents should be on the radar.
There’s an awfully good chance the SF 49ers and perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman part ways in 2021.
It’s the natural end of Sherman’s three-year contract signed back in 2018 after being jettisoned by the Seattle Seahawks. And while both Sherman and Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan have expressed mutual interest in some sort of a re-sign deal, the reality of the situation suggests otherwise.
For starters, Sherman will turn 33 years old before next season begins, and it’s becoming more apparent he’s on the tail end of his exceptional career. On top of that, injuries have hindered two of his three seasons in San Francisco, notably forcing him out of nine games already in 2020. Plus, according to Over the Cap, the SF 49ers are slated to have just over $23 million in cap space next season.
Even if the Niners were adamant about retaining Sherman, the financial reality suggests otherwise. Especially with the long list of other pending free agents the team has to look at.
Sherman also admits staying with San Francisco is unlikely, telling NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco:
"That’s the sad, sad truth. It’s one of those years where it’s not from anybody’s fault that it may not work out. And it will be a sad parting because I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve enjoyed this team. I have brothers on this team, and I think we still have work to do. But I don’t know that the circumstances will allow it."
If those circumstances do come to fruition, the SF 49ers will likely be on the hunt for veteran corners, both in the 2021 free-agent market and in next year’s NFL Draft.
Should the former be a key route taken, the Niners could potentially explore these three options to bulk up the cornerback depth in the wake of a would-be Sherman departure.