NY Jets: Robert Saleh interested in reuniting with Richard Sherman

The NY Jets made quite a few moves in free agency, but one position that remained wholly unchanged was the cornerback position. Despite reported interest in players like Richard Sherman, the Jets came away with no true cornerbacks.

For that reason, many expect the team to address the position early in the 2021 NFL Draft. But that might not be the only move they make to add a cornerback.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported on Sunday that Jets head coach Robert Saleh “is interested in reuniting” with the aforementioned Sherman. He did note, however, that there are a few obstacles to overcome.

But there is interest. And perhaps the two sides could work something out after the draft is over.

The NY Jets remain interested in cornerback Richard Sherman

The first obstacle to overcome is dependent on Sherman’s interest. While he would, of course, love to reunite with Saleh in New York, he would prefer to play for a contender out West, per Cimini.

Money talks, but would that be enough to convince him to join his former coach with the Jets? It’s possible.

As for the Jets, their interest is largely dependent on what happens in the 2021 NFL Draft. At the moment, their outside cornerback group is extremely thin with 2020 fifth-round pick Bryce Hall and 2019 sixth-round pick Blessuan Austin slated to be the starters.

If the Jets add one or two cornerbacks in the draft who they feel comfortable playing early, then perhaps they opt to roll with the youngsters in 2021.

But if they miss out on their favorite options and fail to adequately address the position, adding a veteran like Sherman to not only solidify the position but serve as a mentor to the younger players on the roster makes sense.

Even at 33-years-old, Sherman has proved over the last few years that he still has plenty left in the tank. The five-time Pro Bowler put together arguably the best year of his career in 2019 when he finished as Pro Football Focus‘ No. 1 ranked cornerback with an elite 88.9 grade.

It was the best single-season grade of his career and it came two years removed from a torn Achilles suffered in the 2017 season. Sherman did miss considerable time last year playing in only five games due to a calf injury.

Durability could be a concern, but Sherman has still been playing at a very high level when on the field. And apart from the Achilles in 2017 and the calf in 2020, he’s been an iron man throughout his entire career.

The Jets aren’t done addressing the cornerback position, and depending on a few factors, could look to sign Richard Sherman shortly after the 2021 NFL Draft.