Atlanta Falcons Connected to Richard Sherman by Default
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons have been connected to now free agent corner Richard Sherman. Is Richard Sherman a fit for Atlanta or simply a part of Coach Dan Quinn’s past top defense in Seattle?
Richard Sherman in an Atlanta Falcon’s uniform may be an appealing thought and one that would make sense based on connections alone. But, lets take a minute to look at the current cap space and consider the Falcon’s areas of depth.
Sherman is a shutdown corner who is coming off of an injury and plays a physical brand of defense that would fit with Atlanta. On the other hand he is an aging corner who isn’t going to rely on foot speed the opposite of what Atlanta is building their defense on, youth and speed.
Sherman has been connected to the Falcons simply because of their Head Coach there is yet to be any credible rumors linking Sherman with the team.
Fitting Richard Sherman under the Falcon’s cap wouldn’t be a problem at first glance, until you consider other areas of need for the team.
Offensive guard, defensive pass rushers, tight-end, and receiver all top the Falcon’s wish list over depth at corner. Sherman is likely to demand $8 million or more, a cap hit that the Falcons cannot take with that many positions to address.
Richard Sherman lining up opposite Desmond Trufant is a dream Madden scenario for Falcon’s fans one that sadly makes little sense and is highly unlikely to happen.
Trufant has already received his payday and should remain the top corner in Atlanta. Rumors could continue to emerge surrounding Seattle and Atlanta as the Seahawks continue to tear apart a roster that many long thought to be the most talented in the NFC.
The Falcons are unlikely to make any huge moves until Matt Ryan is locked up in Atlanta for the foreseeable future.