Will Richard Sherman Sign With the Jets This Offseason?

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is a free agent. He could sign with the New York Jets, reuniting with his former coach Robert Saleh

Richard Sherman signing with the Jets, reuniting with Robert Saleh in New York, seems like a perfect match. This comment from the veteran cornerback, however, makes Sherman donning green and white in 2021 seem very unlikely.  

After wrapping up his 10th NFL season in 2020, Sherman opened up about his future, telling ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he hopes to play for two more years. The 32-year-old ruled out a return to the 49ers recently, saying it would take a "miracle" for him to re-sign in San Francisco. He's set to become a free agent next month. 

That's where the Jets come in. 

Surely the corner would consider joining forces with New York's new head coach. Sherman played for Saleh, the 49ers' former defensive coordinator, for all three of his years in San Francisco. The transition over to New York would be seamless and Sherman could certainly help the Jets' young secondary while mentoring the franchise's inexperienced defensive backs.

NFL insiders even view the Jets as a great fit for Sherman. Here's ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on the corner linking up with Saleh for a third time:

Sherman raves about Robert Saleh, who was with him in Seattle and San Francisco. Why not make it three pairings? Sherman will have a market for his services but turns 33 in March and missed 11 games in 2020, so he should be reasonably attained. If Saleh wants a star veteran to set the tone for his younger players, this is the guy.

The problem is, the cornerback wants to play for a contender. 

"I want to get on a competitive team," he told Smith. "I think I still have a lot to give to the game. I think I still have a lot that I want to accomplish and I think I can go out there and help a defense come together like it should and reach their potential, reach the heights that the defenses that I've played on have reached."

Doesn't sound like Sherman would suit up for a team that's still multiple years away from contention, even if there's a familiar face in charge. 

Perhaps that could change if New York ended up trading for Deshaun Watson and expedited their rebuild? After praising the Jets for hiring Saleh, Sherman didn't shy away from commenting on trade rumors, saying the Texans' star quarterback should "head to New York" as quick as possible. 

Depending on how long Saleh is going to be around in New York, and how many more years Sherman actually ends up playing, perhaps the corner will join Gang Green down the line. Right now, however, Sherman would have to realistically place any postseason aspirations to the side if he chooses the Jets. 

Sherman played in only five games in 2020 due to injury, but showed he's still capable of contributing at this level the year before, making his fifth Pro Bowl appearance. Back in 2013, Sherman led the league in interceptions and helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. 

MORE: 

• Frank Gore Is 'Still Thinking About' Returning For 2021 Season
• Exactly How Many Teams Have Reached Out to the Jets About Trading For Sam Darnold (So Far)
• Way-Too-Early NFL Power Rankings: Where Do the Jets Rank Entering 2021?

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