6 remaining free agents with connections to Panthers GM Scott Fitterer
By Dean Jones
Richard Sherman – CB
- 2020 team – San Francisco 49ers
Another steal influenced by Scott Fitterer on the Seattle Seahawks was Richard Sherman. The cornerback was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and it didn’t take long to realize he should have been taken far higher than this projection.
Sherman was widely regarded as one of the best shutdown corners in the business once upon a time. He is a three-time All-Pro that is a leading Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate once he hangs up his cleats, and the player remains a primary free agent that more than a few teams will be interested in either prior to camp or just before the season gets underway.
The Carolina Panthers made some exciting additions to their cornerback room this offseason. Jaycee Horn was the No. 8 overall selection and comes with some significant upside, with the presence of veteran A.J. Bouye something else that should improve their fortunes.
However, if the Panthers decide more is needed to get their ever-improving defense to the next level, then Sherman is a solid option. While his days of locking down the NFL’s best wide receivers consistently might be a thing of the past, there is nothing to suggest he cannot make a difference as part of the rotation.
Sherman might not be too keen on joining anybody but a legitimate Super Bowl contender at this stage. But his previous relationship with Fitterer could dictate otherwise if the Panthers decide to pursue him in the not-too-distant future.