Richard Sherman Reportedly Not a Trade Target for Patriots Despite Rumors

Richard Sherman reportedly won't be suiting up for the New England Patriots in the near future. 

Citing a source, CSN New England's Tom E. Curran reported Thursday that the defending Super Bowl champions "are not interested in trading for" the three-time All-Pro cornerback.  

Curran's report comes a day after the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe relayed word that the Patriots could make a play for Sherman in the coming weeks. 

Specifically, Howe reported "there's a very real possibility it [a trade] happens during the run-up to the NFL draft on April 27." He also noted "if the Patriots lose cornerback Malcolm Butler, either through restricted free agency or a trade, they could very likely increase their focus on prying Sherman from the Seahawks."

Seahawks general manager John Schneider also fueled speculation Sherman could be traded on Wednesday when he confirmed the team had been putting out trade feelers in advance of the draft. 

"There's very much an openness. What you've seen lately in the news is real," he said on KIRO 710 AM, according to the News Tribune's Gregg Bell. "That's on both sides."

Sherman also confirmed he was aware of the trade buzz in a text message to The MMQB's Albert Breer. 

"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. We have a great relationship. … There is a lot of love and respect. There is no bad blood."

Sherman, 29, is slated to earn base salaries of $11.4 million and $11 million, respectively, in the final two seasons of his contract. According to Spotrac.com, Sherman will be the fourth-highest paid cornerback in the NFL when the 2017 campaign opens in September. 

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