San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, just two years removed from a torn Achilles, has proven his doubters wrong. He was among the four Niners named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday night.
And just like that, Sherman's salary for 2020 becomes fully guaranteed, ensuring that the cornerback will remain with the 49ers for at least one more season.
It almost didn't happen, though.
Sherman, acting as his own agent, sat there with 49ers decision-makers in March of last year with his then-wife-to-be, Ashley, by his side. It turns out the decision to include her in the process was one of the smartest decisions he could have made.
Everyone was sitting there at an impasse, and it looked like a deal might not get finalized. Sherman, ready to bet on himself, wanted a shorter contract that could be revisited once he proved himself. General manager John Lynch, chief negotiator Paraag Marathe, and the 49ers wanted something longer ... but not too long.
Both sides wanted some security, which typically means one side has to give in a bit. The 49ers wanted an incentive-laden contract, Sherman explained on Wednesday. Sherman wanted security for the years of the deal that followed. Maybe a deal wasn't meant to be.
Or, maybe they just needed a fresh perspective.
That's when Ashley stepped in with the idea that landed the now five-time Pro Bowl selection and their family in the Bay Area.
"My wife was like, 'Why don't you just make the Pro Bowl, and the things that trigger him to get those incentives, guaranteeing his next year's [salary]? Because if he's making the Pro Bowl or he's making All-Pro, it means he's playing like the player you guys thought he was, and it should work out perfect.'"
Brilliant.
This probably isn't the first time you've heard this story. In the past, Lynch has told it himself, as has Sherman. It's just a story that is always interesting to hear.
So, what does the future hold for Sherman? We know where he will play next season. What about after that? Could there be an extension in his near future?
"You've got to ask John about that," Sherman responded. "I've enjoyed my time here. I enjoy being a Forty-Niner. I enjoy the team. I enjoy the organization. But I don't get to make those calls. I make a lot of calls and have a lot of control of a lot of things, but that's not my call.
"I'm grateful that I do get to be here for at least one more year. That part is guaranteed, so that will be cool to make another run with these guys."