According to Richard Sherman, Richard Sherman is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The veteran cornerback announced on The Richard Sherman Podcast Wednesday morning that he was joining the Buccaneers.
"I finally talked enough and came to a decision that I was going to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Woo!" Sherman said. "All the madness and then all the hate and all the tweets, and then everyone is mad because I didn't go on their team. I'm sorry."
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that Sherman signed a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. The deal includes a $500,000 guarantee, said NFL Network's Tom Pelicero. The Bucks later announced the signing of Sherman and placed wide receiver Scotty Miller (Turf Toe) on injured reserve to make room for Sherman on the 53-man roster.
Welcome to the Krewe, @RSherman_25.#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/nfMJONtl0V
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 29, 2021
Sherman visited CB-Need Books on Tuesday after receiving interest from several clubs over the past few weeks. Announcing his choice, Sherman mentioned that he had held talks with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks about a possible reunion and had also received interest from the Carolina Panthers.
"The best offer I had was the best opportunity to go out there and put on some great tapes," Sherman said on his podcast. "I feel comfortable and confident in my abilities to go out there and help that team win.
"It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and I weighed all the options with my wife and family, and that's what we came up with, so I'm ready to take them back and go out there and show these old legs." I still have some juice."
Joining the Bucks makes perfect sense for Sherman, who might pursue another Super Bowl ring with Tom Brady instead of competing against G.O.A.T. Brady actively recruited Sherman, who is still remaining the best experienced CB in the market.
During a Wednesday press conference, Sherman said Brady told her, "'You better come or you'll regret not coming,'" NFL Network's Sarah Walsh reported.
Sherman has dealt with an ongoing legal situation this off-season, stemming from a July incident that led to her being arrested on five misdemeanor charges — including driving under the influence and second-degree criminal trespass — when she had crashed his SUV in a construction area and later forcibly tried to enter the house of a family member.
Since his arrest, Sherman has been in therapy and is reportedly in very good shape, having lost 15 pounds this season.
While recovering, the 33-year-old has shown that he can still play at a high level. Sherman played only five matches in 2020 due to injury. But in 2019, he was a pro bowler and ranked fourth overall by Pro Football Focus. Sherman may no longer take a full section of the field as he famously did during his Seattle run, but healthy and in shape he's still a pretty good corner.
Getting a five-time pro bowler at the moment is a coup for the Bucs, who have been battling an injury.
Sean Murphy-Bunting (elbow) went down at the start of Week 1. Jemel Dean hurt his knee in Week 3, and although CB survived a significant injury, he is expected to miss a couple of weeks. And Carlton Davis is on injury reports with abdominal and rib issues.
In Sunday's loss to the Rams, the Bucs needed special teamer de Delaney (who played a total of four snaps on defense in his career) for 51 plays. So, yes, calling Sherman an upgrade is an understatement.
Bucks coach Bruce Arians said it's unlikely the three-time All-Pro will be ready to take the field for Tampa Bay against the Patriots this weekend, though Sherman wouldn't rule it out.
"In my mind, I always think there's a chance, but I don't call the shots here," Sherman said. "I'm really learning on-field play today."