Remember when you used to hate Richard Sherman and didn’t even like saying his name? Yeah, me neither.
Today, the San Francisco 49ers signed their former nemesis to a three-year deal worth a reported $39 million, and the 49ers’ secondary got a massive upgrade.
NFL Network and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero has the contract details.
The Seattle Seahawks released Sherman, who is coming off a torn right achilles injury, on Friday. Sherman will turn 30 on March 30, so assuming he is healthy, the Stanford alum should have a few good years left on the football field.
Playing in 105 regular season games, he is a four-time Pro Bowler and has 32 career interceptions, the most of any defensive back since 2011. That’s impressive.
With Ahkello Witherspoon as the only guaranteed starter at corner on the roster before today, Sherman provides not only talent but mentorship for Witherspoon and any young corner the 49ers could potentially take in the NFL Draft.
49ers’ fans have reacted with mixed emotions. After all, Sherman tipped that Colin Kaepernick pass – meant for Michael Crabtree – to Malcolm Smith (oh the irony) who made that painful interception to end the 2013 NFC title game; and then Sherman taunted 49ers’ fans and players mercilessly ever since. We all remember the choking motion he made at Kaepernick at the end of that game, the subsequent outburst on live television, the turkey legs on the field at Levi’s Stadium in 2014…I could go on but I’m not going to, because it’s a new day!
And, here’s the thing. Is he theatrical? Yes. Does he back it up with his play? More yes. Has he ever had off-the-field issues or troubles? No.
This, my Faithful friends, is an excellent signing by the 49ers. They get a little attitude and a lot of talent, both things that will benefit the Niners’ secondary.
Welcome to Santa Clara Mr. Sherman. We hope you like it here.
