5 NFL teams that need to sign Richard Sherman for 2021

Richard Sherman remains unsigned in NFL free agency as training camp fast approaches but which teams should still be interested in the veteran cornerback?

Even at 33 years old and playing a position that often does not go hand-in-hand with aging gracefully in the NFL, Richard Sherman is still getting it done. After grading out as the top cornerback in the league in 2019 according to PFF (subscription required), he remained quite good as he finished 38th in their grading metrics in the 2020 season with the 49ers.

But now Sherman is on the free agent market and, despite two months passing since free agency opens, the veteran cornerback remains available. He may not be a bonafide superstar leading the Legion of Boom anymore but he’s proven he can still be a helpful commodity in the secondary, especially with a number of teams in need at cornerback.

So as training camp is coming quickly upon us, we’re taking a look at five NFL teams that would make a ton of sense if they were to sign Richard Sherman. Each of these teams, for one reason or another, could use the experienced cover man on defense in the 2021 season.

Richard Sherman would be a great signing for these 5 NFL teams

5. Buffalo Bills – In truth, it feels like more people should be talking about the Bills in connection to Sherman. This is a team that made it to the AFC Championship Game a year ago but, with a need at the position, that also failed to adequately improve cornerback in the draft or free agency.

As of right now, Buffalo would be relying on Tre’Davious White and Levi Wallace as their starting outside corners. The latter is a concern as he’s yet to prove he can be a consistent CB2 option for the Bills. Bringing in a high-end veteran like Sherman to slot into that role and let Wallace remain a rotational piece would benefit the entire defense and ultimately strengthen the Bills’ title aspirations.

4. Green Bay Packers – Suffice it to say that the Packers have some big fish to fry right now as it pertains to Aaron Rodgers. However, that hasn’t stopped Green Bay from continuing to try and build their roster and Richard Sherman would be a strong candidate to help them keep on that path.

Even with the Pack re-signing the much-maligned Kevin King and drafting Eric Stokes in the first round this year, there are no cornerbacks who can be called sure things outside of Jaire Alexander. For a team that has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations if Rodgers plays this season, shoring up the back end with Sherman would fit into their win-now timeline.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Early in the offseason prior to free agency, reports indicated that Sherman would not be re-signing with the 49ers. In the subsequent months, though, that tune has started to change and the stance has seemingly softened.

Perhaps the reason for that is that San Francisco could use Sherman in the secondary. While the Niners know how good Jason Verrett can be when healthy, staying on the field has been an issue. And the rest of the cornerback group is fine but lacking in proven full-time roles. Bringing back Sherman would give the team a more stable rotation to retain a strong defensive identity.

2. New York Jets – Sherman 100 percent found the fountain of youth with the 49ers over the past few years after betting on himself. And a big reason for that was former San Francisco defensive coordinator and now New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh clearly has a knack for putting Sherman in a position to succeed and the veteran performs well under his watch.

For all of the improvements the Jets have made, the cornerback room is lacking proven playmakers. With money still to spend, the Jets could reunite Saleh and Sherman and help solidify one of the weaker position groups on the roster.

1. Dallas Cowboys – Despite the fact that the Cowboys have used back-to-back second-round picks on cornerbacks and have seen impressive moments from 2021 third-round pick Nahshon Wright in offseason practices and workouts, there are big questions in the secondary.

With Dan Quinn stepping in as defensive coordinator, though, Sherman would make a ton of sense for Dallas. He could step in and be an immediate fit in the Cover-3 defense he thrived in under Quinn with Seattle while allowing younger players more time to develop. If they can strike a deal, it’s hard to find too many better fits than the Cowboys.