The Seattle Seahawks have openly admitted they are engaging in trade talks surrounding Richard Sherman, but the All-Pro defensive back does not believe he is going to be dealt.
In a text message to Albert Breer of The MMQB, Sherman acknowledged he is on the trade block but expressed confidence nothing will come of it.
“Very little chance it happens, but both sides are listening,” he said. “I honestly don’t have much more to say about it than what I’ve already said.”
Sherman laughed off the trade rumors at first, but he changed his tune after both Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider said the possibility of a trade was being explored. Despite that, Sherman insists he does not believe the team is sending him a message.
“Not at all. I’m not in the least bit concerned about that,” he told Breer. “We have a great relationship. … There is a lot of love and respect. There is no bad blood.”
The Seahawks have a ton of money tied up in their secondary, and Sherman recently turned 29. He has two years remaining on his four-year, $58 million contract. While there have been rumblings that Sherman asked to be traded, it seems more likely that Seattle is simply looking for a way to free up salary cap space while positioning itself better for the long-term.
Of course, the rest of the NFL is terrified over the idea that Sherman could be heading to one specific AFC team. Although it is clear the Seahawks are listening to offers, we tend to agree with Sherman — a trade of that magnitude is very rare in the NFL.
