Richard Sherman is headed to San Francisco.
In the 49ers’ biggest move of the early offseason, Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback will join the 49ers on a three-year deal. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the deal is worth $39 million, including a $5 million signing bonus. It is unclear how much is guaranteed.
The #49ers reached an agreement with former #Seahawks CB Richard Sherman on a 3-year deal worth $39M, source said. $5M signing bonus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2018
And now it’s done: 49ers and CB Richard Sherman reached agreement tonight on a three-year deal, source tells ESPN.
Sherman is a 49er.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2018
The Seattle Seahawks released Sherman — who was scheduled to make $13.2 million in the final year of his contract — on Friday morning. The 49ers acted swiftly, meeting with Sherman that Friday night in Los Gatos, as first reported by The Athletic.
The thought of Sherman joining the team he antagonized seemed unthinkable at one point. After the Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 in the 2014 NFC Championship, the brassy cornerback lashed out against former 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, whom Sherman titled a “sorry receiver.” Sherman became San Francisco’s most infamous enemy.
Only time will tell whether 49ers fans warm up to Sherman, who played his college ball at Stanford. Quality heals all wounds.
But football-wise, the move makes complete sense.
Revamping the secondary was arguably the team’s No. 1 priority. The 49ers allowed 235 passing yards per game last year, 22nd-best in the league. Second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon returns as the only quality corner from the 2017-18 season, with Dontae Johnson, who started all 16 games, expected to enter unrestricted free agency.
Sherman’s physical style of play fits seamlessly with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s Cover 3 scheme. His three seasons as quality control coach in Seattle— Sherman’s first three years in the league— laid the foundation for Saleh’s current system with San Francisco.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Sherman has been one of the top cornerbacks of his generation since he entered the league in 2011. His 32 interceptions and 99 passes defended during that span are tops in the NFL. Opposing quarterbacks have completed only 47.4 percent of passes when targeting Sherman, also the league’s best mark.
Sherman, one of the most cerebral players at the position, will provide leadership for Witherspoon and the young 49ers defense.
The most prevalent football-related concern is how Sherman will rebound from a left Achilles rupture he suffered in Week 9 of the 2017 season. He recently underwent surgeries for both Achilles — his right side was a much more minor procedure— and will turn 30 this month.
Achilles tears are among the most brutal injuries and require extensive rehabilitation, but all signs point to Sherman making progress. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Sherman’s recovery has been “very positive” at the 2018 NFL Combine.
Before the injury, Sherman was remarkably durable throughout his career. He appeared in all 105 career games and started 99 straight contests prior to Week 10 in 2017.
The Sherman acquisition still leaves San Francisco with ample cap space, allowing the team freedom to continue shopping the player market. The free agent signing period opens on March 14.
Sherman stated he would only join a “contender,” which speaks to his confidence in San Francisco’s ability to compete for championships.