In 2018, Richard Sherman discussed the possibility of moving from cornerback to safety at some point toward the back end of his NFL career. He also said he only plans to play until he's 35 years old. Sherman will be 33 at the start of next season.
"At some point, everybody makes the transition to safety if you're smart enough to play that game," Sherman said in 2018. "I'll probably do that in a couple of years or whenever the team needs (me to do so)."
Sherman has even discussed the transition with a Hall of Fame defensive back who did the same thing — Charles Woodson.
"A lot of times, in this game, playing corner, you see the whole field," Sherman said, "but you really only see like half the field. At free safety, you get to see the whole field. You get to make an impact. You always see where the ball goes."
According to Pro Football Focus, Sherman has taken five snaps at free safety over the last four games, including one snap during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Don't assume it is a sign of things to come, though.
We don't even know where Sherman will be playing next season, much less his role. The cornerback knows the 49ers' salary-cap situation and says it would take "some miracle" for him to be back in red and gold in 2021. Not that he would be against it.
On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked about Sherman and whether he has spoken with the defensive back about a potential position change.
"We haven't talked about that, with regards to position change," Saleh responded. "It just felt like it would be a cool different way to use him and his instincts and his vision while getting some guys who have deserved some opportunities to get on the field."
Saleh said that he often asks for input from his players regarding game-planning, something his players have raved about while discussing the coach. After all, they are the ones on the field and offer a unique perspective.
"To answer your question (about Sherman), never really talked about position change," Saleh continued. "Just thought it would be a really great opportunity for him to utilize one of his greatest assets, which is route recognition, ball skills, and playing with great vision."
There is the possibility that Saleh lands a head-coaching job with another team this offseason. Maybe that organization will have enough money to land safety Richard Sherman.