The New England Patriots are expected to part ways with cornerback Malcolm Butler, who was benched by coach Bill Belichick in their 41-33 Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Butler will become a free agent and is expected to find a new home, leaving the Patriots with just Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe as their starting cornerbacks. The Patriots could rely on Jonathan Jones, Cyrus Jones, Ryan Lewis and Jomal Wiltz as backups, or they can draft a cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, Doug Kyed of NESN.com said the Patriots could get an upgrade at the position by trading for a dependable veteran like All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks.
Sherman has one year remaining on his contract and he will account for $11 million in the salary cap books. Currently, the Patriots have around $15 million in cap space, but they can create between $14 million to $17 million by parting ways with some veterans who failed to live up to their contracts.
Sherman missed the final seven games of the season due to an Achilles tear, but he’s expected to play in the coming season. Before the injury, Sherman was known for his durability as he played in every game since he was drafted by the Seahawks in 2011. In nine games last season, Sherman had 35 total tackles with seven passes defended and two interceptions. In past interviews, the 29-year-old Sherman said he expects to remain with the Seahawks next season.
Patriots must give up first-round pick for Sherman
For the Patriots to get Sherman, they have to at least part ways with a first-round and a second-round pick. However, the Patriots will see it as a risk as Sherman has one year remaining on his deal and has yet to prove he’s healthy after a season-ending injury. However, Belichick has a penchant for making impossible trades, and this one could bring another colorful personality to the Patriots.
Aside from Sherman, the Patriots could also bring in Aqib Talib, who is expected to be released by the Denver Broncos.
Sherman wanted to play for Patriots
Before the start of the 2017 season, the Seahawks floated the possibility of trading Sherman, who then expressed interest in playing for the Patriots. According to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE, Sherman wanted to be a Patriot.
There were reports that the Patriots could deal Butler for Sherman, but it did not materialize. Aside from the Patriots, Sherman also expressed interest in playing for the Dallas Cowboys, but the Seahawks held on to him.
