The 49ers made headlines on Saturday afternoon when they signed former adversary Richard Sherman one day after the Seahawks released him. The swift nature of the process — within 28 hours of being released, Sherman had joined a division rival — left many questions regarding the thought process behind the first splashy transaction of the offseason.
MMQB’s Peter King published a piece on Monday morning that provided some answers. This situation was fascinating from all angles, from Sherman’s autonomous representation to 49ers general manager John Lynch’s direct sales pitch. King’s piece, involving exclusive angles from both sides, revealed some juicy tidbits.
One of the most eye-popping details was Sherman’s use of the word “vengeful” to describe his mindset against his former team.
“We had something no other team could offer,” John Lynch said.
What?
“The ability to play Seattle twice a year,” Lynch said.
When that was relayed to Sherman, he paused for a second.
Sherman said: “I’m vengeful in that way.”
Seattle released Sherman to save itself $11 million in valuable cap space, which Sherman seemed to understand. But Sherman referenced fans burning his jersey and the team’s decision to dump him.
“Come on,” Sherman told King. “I’m not the one who let me go. They let me go. I didn’t abandon anybody.”
Sherman played all seven seasons of his career in Seattle. Part of Lynch’s sales pitch to Sherman was the simple fact that he would play his former team at least twice per year.
For a rivalry that has gone stale in recent years — largely due to San Francisco’s struggles — the latest chapter of the Sherman saga revitalizes it.
Since entering the league in 2011, Sherman has been arguably the most dominant cornerback in the NFL. But he turns 30 later this month and is rehabbing an Achilles tear he suffered in Week 9 of the 2017 season.
Sherman’s new contract is hugely incentivized, both based on performance and availability. Sherman has made it clear he will be ready for the beginning of training camp and return to his Pro Bowl status, both of which would put money in his pocket.
Notice the confidence in his wording here:
“Once I make a Pro Bowl, $8 million the next year is guaranteed for me,” Sherman said. “It gives me the ability to control my destiny. The 49ers have skin in the game. I have skin in the game. In my former contract, no matter what I did this year, nothing would be guaranteed to me next year. I couldn’t feel secure in my contract. Now, if I play the way I know I’m capable of playing, I know I’m going to get paid.”
The 49ers operated quickly throughout the process, putting the pressure on Sherman to make a decision. Lynch equated the situation to being on the one-yard line.
“We’re on the 1-yard line here!” 49ers GM John Lynch said late Saturday afternoon to the free-agent corner he was recruiting, Richard Sherman. “We can do this! We can put this in the end zone!”
Sherman smiled. “I’ve been at the 1-yard line before,” he said, “and it didn’t go so well.”
Lynch said: “I promise you, we won’t throw it this time.”
Sherman wanted to consider other offers, from potentially both the Lions and Raiders. But if he stalled, according to King’s piece, San Francisco’s interest may have subsided in a few days’ time.
“I would assume if I leave, some of the things in this deal would get walked back,” Sherman said to Lynch in King’s piece. ‘Could be, he was told.’
Sherman, known for being a shrewd thinker, was “very impressive” for his preparedness and knowledge of the market, according to Niners contract specialist Paraag Marathe. Sherman had referenced old deals and clarified faulty wording in the contract to his benefit.
In the end, Sherman made it clear he is betting on himself in a big way. A vast chunk of his potential earnings lies in his health and performance.