Pro Sports

Bucs add CB Richard Sherman to injury-ravaged secondary

Posted September 29, 2021 7:00 am

By FRED GOODALL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Richard Sherman, right, talks with teammate Carlton Davis III during an NFL football practice in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - When Tom Brady calls, people listen.

Richard Sherman, a three-time All-Pro cornerback who has been dealing with offseason legal issues, is the latest high-profile player to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in hopes of helping Brady win another Super Bowl.

Sherman got a one-year deal Wednesday with the defending NFL champions, who have been hit hard by injuries to their secondary.

Much as he did in luring Rob Gronkowski out of retirement and lobbying for the Bucs to sign Antonio Brown and Leonard Fournette last season, Brady contacted Sherman to inquire about whether the 11th-year pro was in shape and interested in resuming his career.

'œMe and Tom have had a great relationship over the years ... and always thought it would be really cool to play together if we had the opportunity,'ť Sherman said. 'œIt's crazy how things shake out.'ť

Sherman practiced Wednesday, but barring more injuries to an already decimated secondary is not expected to play Sunday when the Bucs visit the New England Patriots.

'œObviously he's got a lot to learn and get into football speed,'ť coach Bruce Arians said.

'œIt'll be a bunch of guys hurt if he's out there this week. But we'll wait and see,'ť Arians added. 'œIt's not like he has to play this week. We have time.'ť

A five-time Pro Bowler, Sherman spent the past three seasons with San Francisco. Before that, he was one of the NFL's top defenders with Seattle, helping the Seahawks win the 2013 title and go to the Super Bowl the next season. He played seven seasons in Seattle (2011-17).

The 33-year-old cornerback was involved in several incidents during the offseason, including being arrested in July at the home of his wife's parents in Redmond, Washington. He was charged with five misdemeanors, including two counts of domestic violence, plus resisting arrest, DUI and reckless endangerment.

Sherman pleaded not guilty to those charges while saying on social media he was 'œdeeply remorseful'ť for his actions.

He didn't shy away from questions Wednesday.

'œThere's always a silver lining to everything,'ť Sherman said. 'œObviously it was an unfortunate situation and regrettable, but it led to some positive changes, some help, some therapy, some tools that I didn't have before to address some things that you kind of let stack up in your mind.'ť

Arians, who faced Sherman in the NFC West for much of the player's career while Arians was coach of the Arizona Cardinals, said he had no concerns about signing Sherman, who could earn up to $2.25 million, including performance incentives.

Sherman has the most interceptions in the league over the past 10 seasons (36). He also has been a star in the playoffs and was selected to the NFL Team of the Decade for the 2010s.

Tampa Bay lost starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to an elbow injury during a season-opening win over Dallas. The other starter, Jamel Dean, left last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury but practiced Wednesday.

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Richard Sherman, right, stretches as he talks with teammate Carlton Davis III during an NFL football practice in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) The Associated Press

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Richard Sherman is shown before NFL football practice in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) The Associated Press

FILE - San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) is seen during the NFL football Super Bowl 54 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Feb. 2, 2020, file photo. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Richard Sherman, a three-time All-Pro cornerback and Super Bowl champion who has been dealing with legal issues in the offseason.Sherman got a one-year deal Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, and said Tom Brady helped recruit him to the defending Super Bowl champions, who have been hit hard by injuries to their secondary. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File) The Associated Press

FILE - San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, in this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, file photo. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Richard Sherman, a three-time All-Pro cornerback and Super Bowl champion who has been dealing with legal issues in the offseason.Sherman got a one-year deal Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, and said Tom Brady helped recruit him to the defending Super Bowl champions, who have been hit hard by injuries to their secondary. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File) The Associated Press

FILE - Richard Sherman, right, walks with his wife following a King County District Court hearing in Seattle, in this Friday, July 16, 2021, filer photo. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Richard Sherman, a three-time All-Pro cornerback and Super Bowl champion who has been dealing with legal issues in the offseason. Sherman got a one-year deal Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, and said Tom Brady helped recruit him to the defending Super Bowl champions, who have been hit hard by injuries to their secondary. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Football NFL NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.