[Update] Seattle Seahawks Release Star Cornerback
Matthew Harrington UPDATE
Amidst rumors and speculation, the Seattle Seahawks have released Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman. The news was announced by ESPN's Adam Schefter:
However, it's still possible that Sherman comes back to the Pacific Northwest. Sherman told reporters that the Seahawks are interested in bringing him back on a lower salary and contract:
END OF UPDATE
The Seattle Seahawks may be starting a massive roster overhaul, which apparently means the departure of superstar cornerback, Richard Sherman.
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Sherman has started to bid farewell to his teammates, all but ensuring he's on his way out of the Pacific Northwest:
Tom Pelissero later added that Sherman is set to meet with Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider:
Suspicion that Sherman's tenure in Seattle was ending came after teammate Jeremy Lane posted this cryptic tweet:
If Sherman's on his way out of Seattle, then it'll end one of the most remarkable tenures in the franchise's history. Sherman guided the Seahawks to a Super Bowl 48 championship and was named to four Pro Bowls, and was selected three times as a First-team All-Pro.
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Sherman formed the iconic 'Legion of Boom' secondary with Byron Maxwell, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Seattle owned the NFL's best defense from the 2012-15 seasons - which saw them win two NFC Championships and one Super Bowl.
But injuries and an aging core led to a down year for Seattle in 2017, as they finished with a 9-7 record and missed the postseason for the first time in six years. Sherman's season ended early with a ruptured Achilles, and he turns 30 years of age this offseason. Sherman has one year left on his contract, which'll earn him $11 million (via Spotrac.com).
As such, Seattle's front office has seemingly decided that change was necessary. The Seahawks have already traded Michael Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles, and there's also speculation the team will trade Thomas and/or Chancellor.
Cutting ties with Sherman may not sit well with a large portion of Seattle fans, but the front office has decided that change was necessary. As such, the self-proclaimed "best corner in the game" will have to prepare to find a new home.
