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A little over a day after the Seattle Seahawks made the decision to part ways with the All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, the San Francisco 49ers have swooped in to add him to the mix. It saw them quickly commit to a three-year, $39 million deal with Sherman on Saturday night that has provided a significant upgrade their secondary.
It will mark the first time in his career that has played for another team aside from the Seahawks. According to Steve Wyche of The NFL Network, the 29-year-old has voiced his level of excitement for the opportunity to play with one of the most historic franchises in the league.
A text from @RSherman_25 about him agreeing to terms with the 49ers: “I’m excited. A lot of HOF DBs have gone through this incredible organization and I am looking to uphold that standard.”
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) March 11, 2018
The addition of Sherman should help fill a glaring area of need for the 49ers, who received inconsistent play last season from the cornerback position. In the 2017 campaign, the 49ers ranked 22nd overall against the pass and 24th with a 93.9 opposing quarterback rating.
In his first seven years in the league, Sherman had established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league behind four Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro nods, and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. Since the 2011 season, he also ranked first in interceptions (32), passes defended (99), completion percentage allowed (47.4), and passer rating allowed (50.9).
However, there are serious questions of whether he can return to his elite form after suffering a torn Achilles tendon last November. He also underwent a minor procedure to remove a bone spur from his foot, but he is still expected to be back on the field by training camp. If he's able to remain an effective player at his position, he could step in as one of the anchors for the 49ers' defense this upcoming season.
More importantly, Sherman's decision to join the 49ers may mark the first of many proven players willing to join the fry in free agency to help move along the rebuilding project that could see them make a significant leap forward in 2018.
