Top 5 former 49ers who remain unemployed in NFL free agency

Former 49ers player No. 1: Cornerback Richard Sherman

Much like Emmanuel Sanders, perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman gets a lot of deserved credit for mentoring San Francisco’s defense between 2018 and 2020, even though Sherman essentially had only one fully healthy season during that time, the 49ers’ run in 2019 that led to a Super Bowl appearance.

The Niners made it clear to Sherman they weren’t going to bring him back after 2020, though, particularly in the wake of him dealing with serious calf injuries. And while San Francisco’s 2021 cornerback room dealt with plenty of injury attrition, prompting the idea Sherman could ultimately return despite his earlier departure, the two-time first-team All-Pro elected to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead.

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However, Sherman’s time with the Bucs was again hindered by injuries, him seeing only five games last year.

Soon to be 34 years old, it’s anyone’s guess what the future holds for Sherman, who could still provide some serious mentorship for a defense in need of leadership.

At this stage in his career, however, Sherman has the right to be picky where he wants to go and wherever the situation is best for him.

If teams are calling, of course.