Richard Sherman certainly sounds like a man who plans to play elsewhere in 2021. If we've seen the last of him in a San Francisco 49ers uniform, it's important to remember the transformation that took place in most fans' minds when it comes to the cornerback. Many didn't know what to think when Sherman put pen to paper in 2018, signing a deal with a one-time bitter rival.
Sherman has since garnered much respect from The Faithful for the leadership he has shown while with the team, and last season, helping lead one of the most talented defenses fans have seen in a long while. The cornerback is among the most respected players on the roster, and that is evident any time another player is asked about him.
Sherman will not play on Sunday during the 49ers' finale against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks. He is dealing with the calf injury that has plagued him all season.
Several fans have been reaching out to the cornerback to thank him for his tenure with San Francisco. Sherman has even responded to some. In particular, one response expressed his appreciation for some kind words and called his time with the 49ers a "blessing."
If this is @RSherman_25's last game as a 49er, I simply don't have the words to thank him. To go from being a real life super villain to being the leader of one of the best defenses the 49ers have ever had. Just the utmost respect. A legend.
— Evan Burner Sowards (@GimeBackMyAcct) December 28, 2020
Preciate that! It was blessing to be a part of this team.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 29, 2020
While I'm being sensitive, it has been such a joy having @RSherman_25 as a Niner.
An incredible player, but an even better person and presence. Dedicated to his team and to helping the community.
Sherm started out as a rival but will leave as one of my favorite Niners ever. pic.twitter.com/JR35cmvnxs
— Drea Blackwell (@KSBWDrea) December 29, 2020
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Thank you it's been an honor
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 29, 2020
Thank you, Sherm! Feels like being a Niner fan wouldn't have been complete without this era. Appreciate what you do off the field. A California legend.
— Dominic (@Dom_Johnson_) December 29, 2020
🙏🏾
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 29, 2020
The 2020 season may not have gone as planned, but Sherman will undoubtedly continue playing somewhere. The cornerback has stated that it would take a "miracle" for him to return to the red and gold, but that has more to do with the 49ers' salary-cap situation than any lack of desire to play for the team.
"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 earlier this month. "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 (Williams), who costs over $20 million. They have to pay Fred (Warner), who costs $18 million-plus a year. And anybody who knows the situation understands that."
General manager John Lynch responded by saying the 49ers haven't made a decision surrounding Sherman's potential future with San Francisco but acknowledges that the team will have some difficult decisions to make this offseason.
Said Lynch: "I think he's going a little overboard when he said 'a miracle,' but there certainly are challenges that are real, and we just don't have a firm answer yet."
Sherman is preparing to enter his 11th NFL season. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, and a future Hall of Famer.