Richard Sherman Trade Has Been Discussed, Pete Carroll Doesn't Expect a Move

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Wednesday the organization has engaged in trade talks involving superstar cornerback Richard Sherman.

Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com passed along comments on those discussions from Carroll, who noted he doesn't expect a deal to be made since the defensive back is a key asset:

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You're either competing or you're not. And so we've always had to be open for everything, every suggestion that comes along. There have been some teams that have called, and so we've talked about it. But he's extremely important to our football team.

I don't see anything happening at all. And I don't see anything happening with any other players, just the banter that's out there right now. But it has been talked about. He's a great player and can impact another team. I can see why people would be interested in him.

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Speculation about Sherman's future in Seattle began to pick up steam after Mike Lombardi of The Ringer NFL Show podcast reported in mid-March the four-time Pro Bowl selection could be available if the "right deal" was offered to the Seahawks.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted Wednesday the New England Patriots were among the teams to contact the Seahawks about Sherman's availability before they signed Stephon Gilmore in free agency.

The 28-year-old Stanford product shrugged off the rumors during an appearance on ESPN's First Take last week, per Kapadia.

"I just laugh it off, man," Sherman said. "It's funny to me. But sometimes people need to see you gone to realize what you had. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. But I don't let things like that bother me. The chips will fall how they're supposed to."

Spotrac notes Sherman is under contract for two more years with a cap hit of $13.6 million in 2017 and $13.2 million in 2018.

The lockdown corner registered 58 combined tackles, 13 passes defended and four interceptions during the 2016 campaign. Jeremy Lane would likely be counted on to fill the void if Seattle does trade its top corner before next season.