Richard Sherman only plans to play two more seasons. They probably won't be with the San Francisco 49ers, though. The cornerback is pessimistic about his chances of returning to the Niners in 2021, understanding the team's salary-cap situation and knowing it has a surplus of impending free agents.
Sherman is among those 49ers players scheduled to hit free agency next month. Wherever he lands, the veteran defender has retirement in his plans after the 2022 season.
"I only want to play two more (seasons)," Sherman told Stephen A. Smith of ESPN on Monday. "I want to get on a competitive team. I think I still have a lot to give to the game. I think I still have a lot that I want to accomplish, and I think I can go out there and help a defense come together like it should, and reach their potential, reach the heights that the defenses that I've played on have reached.
"We've had some special men on every one of the defenses that I played on. That's what it takes. It takes people that are detailed, dedicated, that are hungry, and we've always had that.
"After two years, I think I'm going to shut it down, regardless, because I'm sure I'll still get calls, I'm sure people will still want to see if I have interest. I think two more years and I'll be content where I'm at."
Smith (maybe) jokingly pitched an ESPN job to Sherman once his playing days are over.
"Stephen A. and Sherm Show?" Sherman responded.
The 49ers signed Sherman to a three-year deal in 2018. A calf injury limited the soon-to-be 33-year-old cornerback to just five games this past season. He will have options, though, and insists he is healthy now.
Head coach Jon Gruden recently ignore rules against tampering and pitched the Las Vegas Raiders to Sherman during a podcast the cornerback co-hosts with Cris Collinsworth. Smith asked Sherman about his interest in Las Vegas.
"At this point, you're trying to get employed," Sherman responded. "I think there are teams out there that have everything I'm looking for. Obviously, Gus Bradley being there makes a huge difference. The scheme that I played in my whole career, that I know like the back of my hand, makes a difference.
"They have a great running back. Their offense scores points. They have talent on the defense, especially in the secondary. They have a few rushers that can get to the quarterback, and I think that they're a few pieces away from where they want to be defensively. And if I was a piece of that, and I came in, I think we'd make a difference."
You can watch the entire interview with Sherman below.