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One of the great questions looming over the 49ers’ offseason is what Richard Sherman’s future is. There are myriad players who need new deals, and with a salary cap which could drop precipitously, by as much as $23.2 million, San Francisco is primed to enter an offseason which will possibly define the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch legacy.
It appears that Sherman is unlikely to be a part of that future. Sherman told NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco that the math just isn’t adding up for him to return.
“I think that there’s obviously a want from both sides to come back and make this work,” Sherman said. “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.”
In addition to Sherman, the following players are among the team’s unrestricted free agents: Trent Williams, Jason Verrett, Jaquiski Tartt, K’Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Kyle Juszczyk, Kerry Hyder, Solomon Thomas, Kendrick Bourne, Ronald Blair III, Tevin Coleman, Ben Garland, Jordan Reed, Ezekiel Ansah, Jamar Taylor.
There are also restricted free agents including Nick Mullens, Emmanuel Moseley, D.J. Jones, Daniel Brunskill, Marcell Harris and Ken Webster.
If the 49ers were to cut Jimmy Garoppolo, they’d save $24.1 million. But if they don’t, and they intend on keeping Williams, who is likely due an extension worth roughly $20 million per year, they’ll immediately be pressing the limits of the cap, unless the number stays similar to what it is.
Sherman told Maiocco he recognizes the need to pay many of the 49ers’ more than 40 impending free agents, and doesn’t expect he’ll return.
“The numbers are adding up to that I won’t be here, unless something miraculous happens, which would be really cool,” Sherman said. “I’ve enjoyed my time. 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.”