Richard Sherman knows the situation. There is only so much money to go around. The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of guys to pay. A lot. They'd like to keep left tackle Trent Williams. They want to extend their young star linebacker, Fred Warner. After that, the team's braintrust will have to make some difficult decisions on everyone else.
That includes Sherman, and that's why the three-time first-team All-Pro isn't at all optimistic about a potential return in 2021.
"I know the salary cap deal first hand, dealing with the [NFLPA], dealing with the league, and I know their salary-cap situation," Sherman explained while briefly speaking with reporters on Thursday.
As Sherman has said before, he would welcome a return to the 49ers. He has enjoyed his time with the team. The cornerback just can't envision a scenario in which the partnership continues beyond this season.
"Like I said when I had the conversation, I mean, if there's some miracle that happens, sure, there's an opening (for a return)," Sherman said. "But there's 40 free agents, and they'll probably have $30 million or less in cap (space). They've got to bring back Trent, who costs over $20 million. They have to pay Fred, who costs $18 million-plus a year. And anybody who knows the situation understands that."