The Chargers have steadily been piecing together their roster for the 2021 season through the first wave of free agency, signing a few offensive linemen, tight end Jared Cook and bringing back a few familiar faces.
Even though the majority of the big-name free agents are gone, there are still a handful of players that could appeal to Los Angeles, including cornerback Richard Sherman, who The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia sees as a fit.
Sherman will be 33 at the start of next season and appeared in only five games for the 49ers in 2020 because of injury. But he made the Pro Bowl in 2019. An incentive-laden deal or a one-year contract could make sense. Sherman returning to his hometown to play on a talented defense and a team on the rise would be really fun.
Outside cornerback sits near the top of the Chargers’ position needs after cutting ties with Casey Hayward.
Now 32, Sherman is entering final stage of his playing days and is coming off a season that saw him play in just five games. He’s floating on the free-agent market, but he figures to sign in hopes of being a strong outside starter.
Could that be by Los Angeles?
In my opinion, while Sherman would be a great mentor to the rest of the players in the secondary, he is a zone cover who doesn’t mesh well with head coach Brandon Staley’s system.
Therefore, I believe the team would look elsewhere first with someone like Malcolm Butler before Sherman. In reality, I think the Bolts are going to address the position early on in this year’s draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least three defensive backs are taken.