The Seattle Seahawks have announced they are open to discussing trade offers for Richard Sherman, but according to head coach Pete Carroll they aren’t expecting to let the Pro Bowl cornerback go.
The Seahawks noted that they were open to discussing Sherman’s future with Seattle or possibly other teams at the owners’ meetings this week.
When asked whether Seattle would consider the idea of trading the cornerback, general manager John Schneider said, “I mean, we listen. We listen to like everything you would think. We’re in a lot of stuff. We try to pride ourselves on that. I think I’ve told you guys before we walk away from 98 percent of the deals that we’re involved with or talking about.
Seattle may be open to talking about a trade, but the chances of giving up one of their best defensive assets is pretty slim. Carroll discussed the gossip on Wednesday, noting he is not keen on giving up one of his key players.
“You’re either competing or you’re not,” stated Carroll. “And so we’ve always had to be open for everything, every suggestion that comes along. There have been some teams that have called, and so we’ve talked about it. But he’s extremely important to our football team.
“I don’t see anything happening at all. And I don’t see anything happening with any other players, just the banter that’s out there right now. But it has been talked about. He’s a great player and can impact another team. I can see why people would be interested in him.”
Sherman addressed the situation Thursday morning, and he doesn’t seem to keen on leaving the team either.
“I wouldn’t want to leave this city and my guys, but I understand it’s a business and organizational philosophies change,” Sherman told 710 ESPN Seattle.
Sherman had to outbursts on the field last season, which were both directed at defensive coordinator Kris Richard and Pete Carroll’s play calls. Carroll has noted that Sherman is very competitive during the season, and had been finding it difficult to blow off steam.
“He’s an exceptional football player and an exceptional young man. And It just was a challenge for him. So I’m hoping that things balance out more… for him so that he doesn’t have to carry and additional burden just trying to be one of the best players in the NFL that he is. So I’m expecting him to do a really good job. He always has. Sometimes the turnaround time just takes a little bit longer than others.”
The star cornerback has two years left to his current contract and will receive $11.431 million in 2017 and $11 million in 2018, per ESPN. In his six years in the NFL, Sherman has never missed a game. He has also made the Pro Bowl four years in a row.
Seattle is a strong team, and they know what they would lose if they gave up Sherman. Only a very good deal would make the Seahawks budge.
Featured Image Via Reuters
