Seattle Seahawks Exude Overconfidence in Sherman Trade Idea
By Erik Lambert
The Seattle Seahawks are considering the possibility of trading star cornerback Richard Sherman. That is an indisputable fact at this point.
It seems almost unbelievable. Just over three years ago Sherman single-handedly sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl with his unforgettable pass deflection in the NFC championship. It led to an interception and paved the way for the teams’ first and only Lombardi trophy. Now the 29-year old is suddenly on the trade block. This despite not missing a single game in his career and producing another rock solid year with four interceptions and 13 passes defended.
Sure the NFL can be a harsh business but where exactly is this confidence they can survive his loss coming from? Last one checked the Seahawks haven’t exactly done a good job replacing key roster losses over the past few years. Max Unger, whom they gave away for Jimmy Graham two years ago, is still a deeply felt absence on that offensive line. Same goes for Russell Okung at left tackle. The exit of Marshawn Lynch hasn’t been dealt with either.
One could even say they’ve failed to replace Byron Maxwell, the other corner they let leave. So again. Why are they so sure trading Sherman is the right thing to do? Even if their asking price is met according to Ian Rapoport on NFL Network.
"“Potentially a first-round pick,” Rapoport continued. “Potentially a very good player on a low contract and a pick as well.”Rapoport emphasized that the two sides maintain a high degree of mutual respect, which is reflected in the price tag."
Common sense must prevail
Sherman is still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. One does not throw that type of player away just because he’s approaching his 30th birthday. Many corners have proven they can be really good for a long time after reaching that milestone. The thing to remember about Sherman is he always seems to thrive when people doubt him the most. Seattle may get excited about the idea of proving they can continue to break down and rebuild the roster on the fly.
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Problem is they don’t have Tom Brady like the Patriots do. Russell Wilson is an excellent quarterback but he, like almost everybody else, is a notch below Brady’s level. The Seahawks owe most of their success to great defense and Richard Sherman is a central reason for that. Letting him walk, even for a high draft pick would be inadvisable.