Currently, All-Decade cornerback Richard Sherman works as his own agent in contract discussions.
When he finishes his playing career, Sherman envisions a move to the other side of the negotiating table.
Sherman, who turns 33 next month, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in mid-March and he does not believe he will be back with the 49ers in 2021.
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He said it is through nobody’s fault. The 49ers have 37 free agents and figure to be pressed up against the salary cap. Plus, Sherman said the club has other players ahead of him in the line for new deals.
Sherman, speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area on behalf of Jack in the Box’s “Super-Jack’d Monday” meals, was asked how he believes general manager John Lynch will prioritize the 49ers' offseason moves.
“I’d expect Trent Williams to be the first order of business,” Sherman said. “And after that, I’d expect him to work on securing the cornerback spot because that’ll be depleted after all the people who are going to be gone. And then after that, you have to work on Fred Warner this offseason.”
Williams, the team’s left tackle, figures to sign a big deal this offseason after appearing in 14 games and earning his eighth career Pro Bowl designation. Williams came to the 49ers in a trade after playing nine seasons with Washington.
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Warner, an All-Pro linebacker, is eligible for a new contract for the first time. Warner could sign a new deal in the neighborhood of $15 million a season.
Sherman, Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams are among the 49ers scheduled for free agency. Sherman said he places Verrett at the top of the team's list of cornerbacks.
“No question. No question,” Sherman said. “I think that’ll be the first priority after Trent, in terms of free agents.”
Verrett, 29, played 13 games after spending most of the previous four seasons sidelined with injuries.
“I think they have to go down that road,” Sherman said. “But I also think he’ll have other suitors. He played up to the standard that he has shown when he came into the league. When you play up to that standard, he’s going to deserve the payday he gets."
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The 49ers signed Verrett to a one-year contract in 2019, but he was not healthy and spent most of the season on injured reserve. They re-signed him last year, and the move paid off for both sides. The loyalty and trust the 49ers showed Verrett could factor into his decision, Sherman said.
“If they’re able to get in that sweepstakes, I’m sure he’ll take into consideration everything they did in bringing him back and continuing to believe in him," Sherman said. "But it’s really one of those things, that he will be one of the most sought after cornerbacks on the market. So we will see.”
Emmanuel Moseley is scheduled to be a restricted free agent, while backup cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon and Dontae Johnson also are scheduled for unrestricted free agency.