NFL

Reports Indicate Raiders May Have Interest in Sherman

Seahawks GM says he's listened to trade offers for his standout cornerback, and some speculate he's be a great fit with the Raiders

First, it was Marshawn Lynch. Now it’s Richard Sherman.

Lynch, the former Seahawks standout running back, reportedly is interested in ending his one-year retirement from the NFL to make a comeback with the Oakland Raiders. Now Sherman, one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, apparently could be available to the Raiders as well.

Daniel Mano and Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group have reported that a flurry of media reports this week indicate the Seahawks are considering trading their defensive star, and that the Raiders may be “the second-most desirable destination” for Sherman -- who played at Stanford -- after the New England Patriots.

Mano and Durkin wrote, however, that Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie “might be too reluctant to give up draft picks” in order to make the deal for Sherman.

Seahawks GM John Schneider confirmed Wednesday on a radio interview in Seattle that he is listening to offers for Sherman, and has been since February at the NFL Combine. He also said he’s told Sherman of the discussions.

“What you’ve seen lately in the news is real,” Schneider said on 710 ESPN Seattle. “That’s on both side. It’s just open communication. He knows what’s going on. We know what’s going on. I don’t know if anything would ever happen. But like I tell people all the time, 98 percent of the things we’re involved with, we don’t follow through with. But at least we’ve opened that door, gone down the road and seen what’s behind Door A or Door B.”

Sherman said recently he would prefer to remain in Seattle for his entire career.

Sherman, of course, would be a huge addition for the Raiders defense. His pairing with Sean Smith would give Oakland a dynamic duo of corners. Sherman is a four-time Pro Bowl player who would have familiarity with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. – a former Seattle assistant – and linebacker Bruce Irvin, who teamed with him on the NFL’s best defense for several years.

Former NFL executive Charley Casserly, now with NFL.com, wrote this week that the Raiders would “be the best match” for Sherman if he’s traded, but he doesn’t believe McKenzie would be likely to give up the draft picks Seattle would want for him.

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