The San Francisco 49ers officially announced the signing of former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman to a three-year contract reportedly worth up to $39.15 million. The deal was agreed upon on Saturday evening, just one day after the three-time first-team All-Pro cornerback was waived by the Seahawks.
"Richard is one of the premier competitors Kyle and I have ever encountered," said general manager John Lynch via a statement issued by the team. "We look forward to him sharing his wealth of experience and his passion for the game of football with our team. Richard has long been looked at as the prototypical corner in our scheme and the opportunity to have him mentor our players was one we needed to attack. Most importantly, we are excited to have a championship caliber corner on the field for the 49ers."
Sherman was released by the Seahawks with a failed physical designation on Friday, and the 49ers were his first and only free agent visit. He reportedly had a visit scheduled with the Detroit Lions.
Sherman had dinner on Friday night with head coach Kyle Shanahan, and his visit with the team continued through Saturday night. The seven-year veteran met with 49ers officials and took part in a physical while at the team facilities in Santa Clara.
Sherman, who is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is recovering from two surgeries. In November, he left a Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals with a ruptured Achilles' tendon. He also had minor surgery to remove bone spurs in the other leg.
"On Friday, Sherman told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he will be back running on the treadmill next week," reported ESPN.
Sherman, who played college football at Stanford, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2011. He registered 367 combined tackles, 32 interceptions, 99 passes defensed, a sack, and five forced fumbles in seven seasons with Seattle.