NFL
The Seattle Seahawks Can Solve Their Most Glaring Defensive Issue by Giving an Old Friend a Second Chance
Richard Sherman is probably the most accomplished cornerback in the history of the Seattle Seahawks franchise. The two sides went through a messy divorce when the Seahawks cut an injured Sherman during the 2018 offseason, but that isn’t stopping the six-time Pro Bowler from showing interest in returning to the team this year.
After being one of the worst teams at defending the pass last season and losing star cornerback Shaquill Griffin to free agency this month, Seattle should jump at the opportunity to bring their old friend back.
Richard Sherman had a brilliant career with the Seahawks
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Richard Sherman was undeniably the top cover corner in the NFL for a brief stint during his time with the Seahawks. He was named a First-Team All-Pro three seasons in a row from 2012-14, and he had 20 interceptions over that span.
Sherman was the driving force behind the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom in the mid-2010s. During the LOB era, Seattle was the most prolific scoring defense in the NFL for four straight seasons. The Seahawks reached two NFC Championships and won a Super Bowl thanks in large part to Sherman and the Legion of Boom.
But after spending his first seven seasons in Seattle, Sherman was released by the team in 2018 just a few months after he tore his Achilles tendon. He later signed with the San Francisco 49ers, partly for the chance to exact revenge on his former team twice a year.
“You just expect that after you’ve done so much for a franchise that they wouldn’t cut you while you’re hurt,” Sherman said in 2018. “It’s kind of more of a respect thing than anything. But they did. So you’ve kind of got to roll with the business.”
Sherman is reportedly interested in returning to Seattle
Despite leaving Seattle with a sour taste in his mouth, Sherman is reportedly interested in returning to the Seahawks now that he’s a free agent. On Wednesday morning, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network appeared on “Good Morning Football” and revealed that Sherman “is open to returning to Seattle.’’
“I believe the Seahawks would also be open to having Sherman back,” Pelissero continued.
When later asked how crazy it would be for Sherman to return to Seattle on a scale of 1-10, the NFL Network reporter said five.
The Seahawks can fix their most glaring defensive issue by bringing Richard Sherman back
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The Seahawks may very well be interested in bringing Sherman back to bury the hatchet, but the move would also go a long way to fixing Seattle’s biggest defensive issue.
Last season, the Seahawks ranked 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (285.0). Only the Atlanta Falcons were worse against the pass. Additionally, Shaquill Griffin, Seattle’s best cover corner who led the team in passes defended (12) and was second on the team in interceptions (three) last year, recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Seahawks now have a glaring hole at corner, one the 32-year-old Sherman could fill seamlessly. A reunion this offseason would be a best-case scenario for both sides.
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference