Richard Sherman Says Returning To 49ers Next Season Would Take A "Miracle"

49ers’ CB Richard Sherman told reporters on Thursday that it would take a “miracle” for him to return to San Francisco next season due to the team’s cap situation and the number of free agents they have.

“There are 40 free agents, they’ll probably have $30 million or less in cap (space) and they’ve got to bring back Trent [Williams], who costs over $20 million, and they have to pay Fred [Warner], who costs over $18 million a year. Anybody who knows the situation understands that,” Sherman said, via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Last week, Sherman said that although there’s mutual desire between himself and the team to return in 2021, he’s not expecting a deal to get done.

“I’ve enjoyed my time,” Sherman told NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco. “I’ve loved every moment of it. And I wish we could continue it for a couple more years, but it’s not looking likely.”

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan mentioned that they would love to re-sign Sherman but San Francisco has a number of other free agents and limited cap space to work with — especially with the cap set to drop as low as $175 million in 2021.

Sherman, who is representing himself, is clear-headed about the fact that his contract goals might not line up with what the 49ers can afford to pay this coming offseason.

“We’ve had brief conversations,” Sherman said. “I think that there’s obviously a want from both sides to come back and make this work. Unfortunately, I don’t know that the circumstances will allow it. That’s the sad, sad truth. It’s one of those years where it’s not from anybody’s fault that it may not work out.

“And it will be a sad parting because I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve enjoyed this team. I have brothers on this team, and I think we still have work to do. But I don’t know that the circumstances will allow it.”

Sherman, 32, is a former fifth-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2011. He was entering the final of his five-year, $58.789 million contract when the Seahawks released him during the 2018 offseason.

The 49ers signed him to a three-year, $39.15 million contract. He’s in the final year of the deal and is set to earn a base salary of $8,000,000 this season.

In 2020, Sherman has appeared in three games for the 49ers and recorded 14 tackles, one interception, and a pass defense.