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What a start for the 49ers. The Seattle Seahawks released Richard Sherman and the 49ers didn’t waste anytime signing him. The guy that killed off the 49ers’ last drive with a Super Bowl berth on the line. The guy who ate turkey on the 50 yard line of the 49ers’ new stadium on Thanksgiving after a beatdown. That guy is officially a 49er. He now brings his personality, leadership, and skills to San Francisco. And he is fired up to prove the Seahawks and his critics wrong that he can’t be the same guy after his injuries.
Richard Sherman has been one of the best corners in the league for the last few seasons. He was a key component in Seattle’s Legion of Boom. He was the most outspoken leader of one of the NFL’s best defenses. He is now betting on himself and trying to lead the 49ers defense. The 49ers are in a good position. They signed one of the best corners, who is coming off an injury season and looking to prove himself, to a team friendly deal full of incentives. He is coming into a defense that is trying to emulate the Seahawks’ scheme and is coached by Robert Saleh, who was on the Seahawks’ defensive staff for a number of season. If Sherman plays anywhere near the level he’s known for, the 49ers have fixed an area of need while weakening a division rival. And it allows them to draft a corner and have one of the best corners mentor him in a defense he is very familiar in.
Now, GM John Lynch will be looking for players that fit their culture and system in other areas of needs. The 49ers are rumored to be in the running for guard Andrew Norwell and wide receiver Allen Robinson. They have the money for both, but it’s doubtful they would sign both considering both will be getting big guaranteed deals. With the big deal that Jimmy G signed, it’s seems likely that they would want Andrew Norwell to protect their franchise quarterback. They already have Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, and Trent Taylor so adding another receiver is not a priority for the team. It’s very apparent that Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have a game plan on signing players and so far it has worked out for them.
49ers links
Who would have thought? | Sherman-49ers talks (King)
Welcome to SF Richard | Why the 49ers? (Barrows)
He’s ready to face Seattle | Vengeful (Wagoner)
His leadership in a defensive system he knows | Leadership (Wagoner)
Revenge is on Sherman’s mind (Durkee)
He bet on himself | Sherman on his contract (Florio)
Sherman gets 2 shots at Seattle a year (Biderman)
Aqib Talib turned down 49ers (Florio)
Defending his deal (Branch)
Top 5 RB options (Biderman)
If they add Norwell, that would drastically improve this ranking | In the top 20 in OL rankings (Buday)
Hoping it’s SF | Allen Robinson landing spots (Harmon)
Good deal for 49ers (Fitzgerald)
Almost didn’t land Sherman (Williams)
Probably their top guy | Andrew Norwell (Biderman)
Sherman’s message to Seattle fans (Smith)
Significance of Sherman’s deal (Fann)
Sherman on his move (Inman)
Fighting 3 teams | Trying to land Andrew Norwell (Florio)
He is driven by his competitiveness | Reignited (Barrows)
Richard responding to his critics (Ruiz)
Top available players (Martin)
5 things to know (Biderman)
Offseason tracker (Fann)
Moves (49ers staff)
Not the same luster | Signing a new punter (Brown)
Joe Thomas’ take on Sherman’s contract (Florio)
Jeff Locke (Williams)
Kicking competition coming soon (Branch)
Allen Robinson is not worried about torn ACL (Alper)
New punter (Biderman)
Lynch and Shanahan have a particular player they are looking for | Looking for culture fits (Biderman)
Mock 5.0 (Fann)
He’s also one of the biggest reasons free agents are looking at SF | Jimmy G big reason that Sherman picked 49ers (Wagoner)
Happy to have him | Kyle Shanahan on his new CB (Branch)
Sherman newly motivated (Williams)
Sherman’s career numbers (Martin)
He’s willing to bet that he can still play very well | Can Sherman still play? (Viosin)
Those other 2 teams don’t have Jimmy G | One of 3 finalists for Norwell (Biderman)
Will Norwell chose the 49ers? (Williams)
Could make a move for Trent Murphy (Biderman)
49ers video
Hot spot (49ers video)
More than an athlete (NFL video)
Coming to SF (49ers video)
Good decision for Sherman (NFL video)