Richard Sherman wanted a contender. It’s the San Francisco 49ers

The release of Richard Sherman had several general managers scrambling for dinner reservations. They should have booked on Friday.

Richard Sherman is now a San Francisco 49er. It’s been reported by multiple sources. So either that dinner in San Francisco last night was outstanding, or Kyle Shanahan is just a real charmer.

The most interesting part to me isn’t that Richard Sherman went to the 49ers. Rather, it’s that he got a three year contract out of them. Of course, they have – well, had – about $70 million in cap space available. Remember how the 49ers let some talent walk? That’s how you can afford $137 million quarterbacks and $39 million cornerbacks in free agency.

Reaction on Sherman’s move to San Francisco is flying in. Too say the least, not much of it from the 12s has been positive. This one is rather poignant:

And then there’s this:

Richard Sherman deserves to go where he wants

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So let’s talk about that reaction. I understand it, I truly do. Richard Sherman had been one of the best Seahawks since he came in as the 154th player taken in the 2011 draft. Scratch that bit about being one of the best Seahawks. He was one of the best players in the NFL, period. Anyway, he’s been a fixture in Seattle since 2011. And now he’s joined the Seahawks biggest rival of all. Of course it hurts.

Here’s what I don’t agree with. I edited this tweet for language…

"Sherman was a legend. WAS. Now I ***** hate him. At least Golden Tate had the decency not to sign with the niners. Screw Sherman! Seahawks should never hand his number in the rafters."

It’s a business, people. He signed for $2 million more per year than he was going to get from Seattle, and he got three years. So here’s my question to everyone slamming Sherman for signing this deal. Imagine you’ve been a great employee for years with McDonalds. You’ve been a top performer every year.

Then this year, they say they have to downsize and they just can’t afford you. You know you’ll get a good gig, so you aren’t worried. Suddenly Burger King calls and gives you a three year offer for more money. And out of loyalty to McDonalds, the company that just let you go, you refuse Burger King, right?. Of course not. You sign with Burger King. You do what’s best for your family.

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If the NFL was all about loyalty, the Seahawks would have kept him. They couldn’t afford to do it. They did what was best for the team. Richard Sherman signed as three year contract instead of a one year show-me deal. He did what was best for his family. Don’t hold it against him.