Former Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman may not have wound up the newest member of the San Francisco 49ers if not for Aqib Talib. At least not according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
An example of how simple decisions this week affect players, teams and futures.
Aqib Talib rejected a trade that was agreed to between Denver and SF; wouldn’t report. He later is traded to LA.
So SF doesn’t get its CB, Richard Sherman is released and he winds up in SF.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2018
It appears a deal was already in place that would’ve moved the 5x Pro Bowl-er from the Mile High city to the City by the bay. Despite the fact that Talib didn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, as noted by Schefter, it sounds as though he graciously declined.
But before Los Angeles Rams’ fans rub it in the noses of the 49ers’ faithful, the trade rejection is in all likelihood not a result of a desire to play anywhere other than San Francisco, the notion that the 49ers aren’t (or won’t be) contenders, or his disbelief that Jimmy Garoppolo is the league’s next great quarterback.
At this point in Talib’s career, playing for a contender was certainly a consideration. But another opportunity to play for Wade Phillips looks to be what ultimately landed him in the City of Angels.
“I’m just glad I get to do this last chapter with Wade man. I’m going to try and do it right. I’m going to make sure I do my part so we both make each other look good.” – Aqib Talib
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 11, 2018
So, as it stands, the Rams will continue seeing Richard Sherman twice a season for the next three years — courtesy of Aqib Talib. And that should be sufficient time for fans to debate which team got the best veteran cornerback.