Report: Richard Sherman Expects to Return from Injury at 49ers Training Camp

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistMarch 11, 2018

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 20: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks, out for the season with an Achilles injury, talks with cornerback Jeremy Lane #20 of the Seattle Seahawks before the game at CenturyLink Field on November 20, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Richard Sherman is expected to be ready for the San Francisco 49ers by training camp this summer despite recovering from a torn Achilles, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The veteran cornerback reportedly signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Niners on Saturday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, after being released by the Seattle Seahawks on Friday.

Sherman, 29, ruptured his right Achilles in November, ending his season. He underwent a minor surgery in early March to repair his left Achilles as well.

"It's a bit of a setback for a couple weeks because he's in the boot on the other leg," his former head coach, Pete Carroll, said at the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "But he is not slowing down. He's working like crazy. He's having a fantastic offseason. His mentality is good. He's competing like crazy."

Now, however, he'll be competing for the team that was his rival during his time in Seattle.

Interestingly, Sherman represented himself in the negotiations that ultimately led to his signing with San Francisco:

Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
Also, if Sherman — who’s coming off a torn Achilles — makes the Pro Bowl in 2018, my understanding is another $16M in base salary for 2019-20 becomes guaranteed. Creative structure from Paraag Marathe and Sherman’s agent ... Sherman.

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Richard Sherman @RSherman_25
@PSchrags @nflnetwork @gmfb It was work! But we got it done!

"I'm so excited to be part of this historic organization!" Sherman wrote in a text to Albert Breer of The MMQB. "I look forward to helping them return to prominence."

Switching allegiances to a divisional rival means Sherman will face his old team at least twice per season, adding a bit more heat to those matchups, as Brady Henderson of ESPN.com noted:

Brady Henderson @BradyHenderson
Sherman vs. the Seahawks in general will be fascinating. Some serious spice to a once-strong rivalry. Specifically, Sherman vs. Doug Baldwin twice a year will be a treat. They’re best friends, two of the most competitive people you’ll meet and two of the best at what they do. 🍿

Certainly, signing a veteran fresh off an Achilles injury represents a risk for the Niners. But Sherman offers both a strong locker room presence and consistency on the field, major pluses for a rebuilding team:

Mike Sando, ESPN.com @SandoESPN
Sherman a great leader for @49ers program. Tone setter thru practice habits, toughness. Contract appears low-risk for team.

Graham Barfield @GrahamBarfield
New-#49ers CB Richard Sherman's career QB Rating Allowed is 53.0, per PFF. For context, only four CBs allowed lower passer ratings in 2017 than Sherman's career 53.0. Average is 87.0.

For many fans in both Seattle and San Francisco, seeing Sherman don the red and gold will be strange. But for Niners fans anxious to see their new corner in action, it doesn't sound as though they'll have to wait any longer than this year's training camp.