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San Francisco 49ers: 3 potential replacements for Richard Sherman in 2021 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers CB Richard Sherman. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

How will the 49ers replace Richard Sherman?

The San Francisco 49ers appear poised to lose a veteran presence from their locker room in 2021, with cornerback Richard Sherman believing he is set for a departure this offseason.

Sherman, a key figure in the 49ers’ return to prominence under Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, believes it will take “a miracle” for him to remain with San Francisco, per Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle.

He pointed to a likely shrinking salary cap and the high number of free agents the Niners have to potentially re-sign. Trent Williams is among that group and will command a contract that makes him one of the highest-paid tackles in football following a stellar first season with San Francisco.

Linebacker Fred Warner, whose contract expires in 2022, is also a candidate to receive a lucrative extension, meaning the space to re-sign three-time first-team All-Pro Sherman should be limited.

San Francisco is still in decent shape at cornerback even without Sherman. Jason Verrett is a free agent in 2021 but has a better chance to be back with the Niners following a campaign that is worthy of at least an honorable mention in the Comeback Player of the Year conversation while Emmanuel Moseley is an exclusive rights free agent and will almost certainly be back.

However, slot corner K’Waun Williams is a bigger question-mark given his potential price tag and an injury-hindered 2020 season, meaning corner is an area the 49ers should have a focus on during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Much will depend on whether Robert Saleh is still the defensive coordinator going into the draft, but here we look at three potential fits at the position for San Francisco.