New England Patriots: Richard Sherman Is An Unnecessary Move

There has been a lot of talk about Richard Sherman and the New England Patriots. Would he be a good fit in New England?

Much in line with the rest of this offseason, the New England Patriots are linked to yet another high profile move that none saw coming.

Seattle ownership has made it increasingly public that cornerback Richard Sherman’s future with the team is in doubt.

"“What you’ve seen lately in the news is real,” said Seattle General Manager John Schneider according to Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.  “That’s on both sides.  It’s just open communication.  He knows what’s going on.  We know what’s going on.”"

There have been conflicting reports over the past few days as to whether or not the Patriots are truly interested.  The fact that they are linked in any way is enough to create buzz and speculation.

The biggest factor in whether or not this blockbuster could take place is the status of Malcolm Butler.  With Butler to New Orleans looking unlikely, most are beginning to assume that Butler will come back to New England and play under the first round tender.

Stephon Gilmore is already cemented in as one of the team’s top two corners in 2017, so it appears as though it would have to be one or the other with Butler and Sherman.  If a deal for Sherman were to take place it would almost certainly be Malcolm Butler who is shipped out to Seattle.

Sherman is undoubtedly the more respected name.  He is the better player.  If the Patriots were to make a move for him it would be the biggest move of the already sensational offseason.

It is, however, not the right move.

Sherman is under contract through 2018, a year in which he will earn $11 million in base salary.  If he is to hit free agency after the 2018 season, he will be 31 years old and likely trying to capitalize one one more sizable contract.

Butler becomes an unrestricted free agent after 2017 at age 28.  Naturally, it should be far less worrisome to hand out millions to a 28-year-old as opposed to a 31-year-old.

Age is of course a factor.  On top of that, Butler’s wear and tear is especially unique due to the late start in his career.  Richard Sherman has started all 16 games each year since 2011.  Butler played 11 games in 2014, followed by two full 16-game seasons in 2015 and 2016.  So, on top of the two year age difference, Sherman has played 96 (regular season) games versus Butler’s 43.

When considering Sherman’s higher age, his apparent problems with the organization, and reports of hidden injuries last season, the Patriots would be staring down some red flags.  Landing Sherman would make the Patriots seem invincible, but Butler is the wiser choice.

Butler is familiar with the operation and has done everything asked of him in New England.  It is unclear why the team fails to recognize what they have in him, but dealing Butler (and likely more) for Sherman would be a unnecessary.

Next: Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft

Not only that, but it would be an undeserved slap in the face to Malcolm Butler.  Hopefully the Patriots recognize the upside that they already have in him.