Richard Sherman is interesting option for Arizona Cardinals

Throughout the 2010’s, the Arizona Cardinals possessed one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Patrick Peterson, a fifth-overall draft pick back in 2011, made eight consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl during the decade. Within Arizona’s division, however, was another cover guy who some experts argued was even better than the incredibly-talented Peterson.

For the past 10 campaigns, Richard Sherman has been a consistent thorn in the side of the Cardinals. From 2011 through 2017, the 6’3, 205 pounder was a dominant corner for the Seattle Seahawks. Sherman left the Pacific Northwest in 2018 as a free agent, but remained in the NFC West after signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, at 32 years of age, Sherman is preparing to test the free agent waters once again. It just so happens that the Cards, who may be ready to cut ties with Peterson, could be in the market for an experienced cornerback. How ironic would it be if the franchise replaced Peterson with the extremely outspoken Sherman?

At the time of this writing, Arizona has only two noteworthy cover guys under contract for the 2021 campaign. Byron Murphy, a second-round draft choice in 2019, progressed nicely as a second-year pro last year. Robert Alford, a 32-year old who was inked to a three-year deal in February of ’19, has suffered season-ending injuries during the past two summers.

With the cornerback situation being what it is, Sherman could be an intriguing addition to the Cardinals secondary. Statistically, the 2020 campaign was not an impressive one for the Stanford University product. Thanks to a strained calf, Sherman totaled just 18 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup in five appearances for the 49ers.

Sherman’s performance the year before yielded much better results. The California native registered 61 tackles, three picks and 11 passes defensed during his 15 starts for San Francisco in ’19. During a week one victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sherman took a Jameis Winston pass and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown.

The numbers that Sherman has amassed during his time in the league are outstanding. In 139 career games (133 starts), the five-time Pro Bowler has racked up 484 tackles, 36 interceptions and an eye-popping 115 pass breakups. Sherman also has three pick-sixes on his professional resume.

A union between the Cards and Sherman would be interesting to say the least. The veteran’s leadership and cover skills would come in quite handy for coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. We’ll find out when free agency gets underway next month if Arizona’s front office feels the same.