Shortly after the Seattle Seahawks decided to part ways with All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, the market for him quickly shifted into high gear. In his first real experience on the free agent market, Sherman immediately attracted much interest around the league due to being arguably the top player available at his position.
The 29-year-old began his tour in free agency with a visit on Saturday with the San Francisco 49ers. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it didn't get have a chance to get beyond that for the four-time Pro Bowler as he has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the team.
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
Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network is also reporting that Sherman has agreed to a three-year deal that is worth $39 million with $5 million in signing bonus. This deal well exceeds the market value that was projected for him at around $7 million per year. This new contract puts him around the previous annual salary he was earning in the final year of his $56 million deal at $13.2 million for the 2018 campaign before he was released on Friday.
Through 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).
The size of the deal demonstrates complete confidence by the 49ers that he can return to playing at an elite level next season from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered last November. He also underwent minor surgery to remove a bone spur from his foot, but he has remained stern on being back on the field by June.
The addition of Richard Sherman could be a significant upgrade in the secondary at a position that the 49ers received much inconsistent play from last season where they ranked 22nd overall against the pass and 24th with a 93.9 opposing quarterback rating. This decision will give him the chance to play his former team at least twice a season by staying in the NFC West.
There had been other preliminary interest from the Tennesse Titans, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions.
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