A Jets-Richard Sherman marriage isn’t off the table, but remains unlikely

© Provided by Jets Wire

The Jets need a new cornerback and Richard Sherman needs a new contract. Seems like a match made in heaven, right? Well, it’s not that simple.

The Jets “haven’t shut the door” on signing Sherman, according to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, but his familiarity with Robert Saleh and the rest of his defensive coaching staff may not be enough to land the veteran cornerback. Sherman, 33, wants to play for a winning team as his career winds down, and the Jets aren’t quite at that level, yet.

Sherman is also in contract talks to return to the 49ers, according to the Sacramento Bee, which is likely a bit more enticing than a cross-country move to New York. Sherman has hyped up the Jets as a free agent destination all offseason because of Saleh, but that doesn’t mean he wants to play for an organization that will likely finish near the bottom of the AFC for the third consecutive season.

The only true way the Jets could lure Sherman to the East Coast is to offer a big contract, but that seems ill-advised. Sherman is an aging cornerback whose production and durably has lessened as he’s gotten older. He would be a great veteran presence for the Jets’ young secondary but isn’t worth top-shelf money.

Saleh is on record saying he’d love to bring Sherman in but would leave that decision up to Joe Douglas.

“Obviously, you guys know I love Sherm,” Saleh said in April. “There’s a lot of things that I’ll leave for Joe with regards to that. There’s a lot of things that go into play and that’s probably more for Joe’s alley.”

The reality of the situation is the Jets may have two options: Pay up for veteran secondary help that should only help their chances marginally in a competitive AFC East or stick with their young cornerbacks and wait until next season to make significant upgrades.

Sherman would be a great addition to the team, but it’s not in Douglas’ interest to pay more for a veteran player who isn’t in the team’s long-term plans.

MORE:

Browns sign ex-Jets TE Connor Davis

Where do Jets rank in strength of schedule in 2021?

8 new Jets will face their former teams in 2021

Zach Wilson, other Jets rookies bonding as 2021 season approaches

ESPN predicts Jets will get top pick in 2022 NFL draft