Seattle Seahawks: Richard Sherman Expected to Leave in 2018
By Erik Lambert
The rest of the NFC West seems to think the Seattle Seahawks defense is about to undergo some huge changes, starting with Richard Sherman.
The All-Pro cornerback has been a superstar for the team over the past five years but this offseason offered the first indications that the intentions of he and the organization are no longer one and the same. It’s rumored he’s upset with the direction of the team after reaching the Super Bowl two-years-in-a-row. There have been too many wasted opportunities already
That led to speculation he could be on his way out, sparked by rampant rumors Seattle was exploring the idea of trading him. It didn’t go through. The reason why? Either the team got cold feet or the price wasn’t where they wanted it to be. That doesn’t mean the situation is over. Other writers for NFC West teams from ESPN seem to think he’s already gone.
"Alden Gonzalez (Rams) – “A lot of people are surprised Richard Sherman is still with the Seahawks heading into 2017, and a lot more might be surprised if he’s with them in 2018. This just seems like his last ride in Seattle, if he even gets it. As Seth Wickersham outlined, growing tension within the Seahawks’ locker room basically paved the way for both sides to believe a trade was the best course of action.”Nick Wagoner (49ers) – “So much can change in the course of a year, so perhaps Sherman will have another great season and the Seahawks will decide to hold on to him, but it’s hard to see how that relationship is going to continue for the long term. The Seahawks openly discussed their efforts to trade Sherman this offseason and weren’t able to finalize a deal, presumably because they didn’t get a team willing to meet their asking price. Still, the reason Seattle considered such a trade in the first place is a desire to alleviate future salary-cap concerns.”"
Richard Sherman controls his future
It’s hard to imagine Sherman’s trade value going up once he hits 30-years old. He’d have to have an outstanding 2017 season. Not out of the realm of possibility of course. Sherman is still a talented and intelligent player. History says it’s never been wise to bet against him. At the same time the Seahawks are in a tough spot. He still has value but do they have anybody in place ready to fill his spot? Never mind replacing him. That is what’s going to make any trade or release very difficult to process.