There aren't many ways for the Steelers to improve their depleted secondary before training camp. That is, unless they decide to put their recruiting power to the test.
Why not give Richard Sherman a call?
Andrew Fillipponi floated the idea Monday, and it makes sense on several levels, beginning with this fact: The Steelers are desperate. They've watched Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton leave as free agents, and didn't draft a cornerback until the seventh round. Their options for immediately improving the position are slim. Taking a flier on Sherman might be their best shot.
The five-time Pro Bowler remains on the open market, following his departure from the 49ers. San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week there's a possibility Sherman could return to the Niners, though he wants to play for a bona fide contender. Sherman recently told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith he's engaged in discussions with the 49ers, Seahawks, Saints and Raiders.
While Sherman is far from the lockdown corner he once was, he can still play effectively in spots. He was an integral part of San Francisco's secondary in 2019, helping to change the culture and convert the Niners into a winner. Last season was a lost campaign, but Sherman still made an impact in one of his five contests. He intercepted Jared Goff in Week 12.
Mike Tomlin's ability to connect with players is commonly touted as one of his best qualities. That's why we were told it was wise for the Steelers to extend him for three more years, despite not winning a playoff game in five seasons.
Well, now it's time to put that theory to the test.
Outside of Seattle, none of Sherman's other reported flirtations are surefire playoff contenders. The Saints are planning to start Jameis Winston at quarterback; and the Raiders and 49ers are coming off losing campaigns. Drafting Trey Lance should give the Niners hope for the future; however, they could be entering a bridge season.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are coming off a 12-4 campaign and returning their all-time great quarterback. Sure, they lost three games in December, and Cleveland blew them out in the Wild Card Round. But Sherman might find the allure in playing with Ben Roethlisberger. After all, it's rare for two future Hall of Famers to hook up for a potential playoff run at the end of their careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster returned for less money, inking a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth $8 million. Though Smith-Schuster's free agency options were obviously limited, he did say he entertained strong offers from the Eagles and Chiefs. The Steelers were his "third-lowest offer," he told ESPN.
But Smith-Schuster opted to return, partially out of respect for Roethlisberger, and partially due to his bond with the people of Pittsburgh. Linebacker Vince Williams returned on a one-year deal, too, even though he was widely expected to leave.
At this point, Sherman is almost certainly shopping for a one-year deal, too, making Pittsburgh the perfect landing spot. He might not have anything left, but his ceiling remains higher than Trevor Williams' or Shakur Brown's. As PFF's Sam Monson said Tuesday on The Fan Morning Show, cornerback remains a major area of need.
Sherman would give them a chance of improving. May the Football Gods rewind the clock to 2016.
