What could ultimately tilt the scales when it comes to decisions for Richard Sherman and Aqib Talib?

Here’s the latest on the situations involving Richard Sherman, Aqib Talib and the Patriots, and what ultimately might spark a decision for both of the veteran cornerbacks.


At this stage, Sherman has told multiple outlets he would prefer to be released by Seattle instead of traded, so he could control his own destiny moving forward. For what it’s worth, it seems like we’re too far into the process where a trade would be feasible, at least at this point. Because Sherman has already gone public with his wishes, the rest of the league would likely be content to sit and wait out the process, which could ultimately force the Seahawks hand. Sherman, who will turn 30 at the end of the month, is also coming off a season-ending Achilles injury — that has to be figured into crafting any sort of deal you’d put together to acquire him.

When it comes to the 32-year-old Talib, there are multiple reports out there that the Broncos are shopping the veteran corner, but there are also indications that, like Sherman, he would prefer to be released and work out a deal with any number of suitors who would come calling. Talib doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, which has two years left ($11 million for 2018 and $8 million for 2019), but he’s apparently been vocal about where he wants to go, so much so that he has put the kibosh on a trade to some other franchises. (According to this report, one of the deals Talib apparently dismissed was one that would have involved shipping him to the Niners.) Denver, meanwhile, is looking to clear as much cap space between now and next Wednesday in anticipation of a run at free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. As a result, Talib’s situation — at least as it relates to the Broncos — should be cleared up relatively quickly.

(Also, when it comes to both acquisitions, neither would take place in a vacuum. I'm only half-joking when I say this, but Talib is really tight with LeGarrette Blount. The veteran running back is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next week after winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles. The Patriots are likely going to be in the market for a depth in their backfield. Not saying it would happen, but it's fun to at least ponder the idea of a third act in New England for Blount.)

Other than money, the thing that could end up cementing the futures of both veteran cornerbacks? Familiarity. When it comes to Sherman, there are plenty of former Seattle assistants out there who have worked with him with the Seahawks. Head coach Dan Quinn in Atlanta, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in Los Angeles and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in San Francisco were all on Pete Carroll’s staff in Seattle before moving on, and that background could appeal to the quotable corner. (When it comes to the Niners, the prospect of being able to stick it to his old team by suiting up for a once bitter divisional rival and playing for an former assistant in Saleh could also appeal to him as well.)

As for Talib, there’s that same level of familiarity with Belichick -- Talib’s year-plus in the New England system was a positive experience for all involved. There's also a reported desire on Talib's part to reunite with Wade Phillips, who is now the Rams defensive coordinator. The two were together in Denver when Phillip served as the Broncos' defensive coordinator, and they had a good working relationship.

In the end, these two situations appear to be on the fast track to being done sooner rather than later: regardless if both cornerbacks are released or traded, it now just seems like a matter of time before they’re on the move. Ultimately, whether or not either one lands in New England could come to define the early stages of the Patriots’ offseason.