4. San Francisco 49ers
There’s no reason to ruin a good thing. If the marriage between San Francisco and Sherman continues being mutually beneficial, then the All-Pro cornerback should receive a short-term extension and remain with the 49ers for the rest of his prime.
Sherman’s second team fell one game short of claiming the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl this past season. After resurrecting his career in San Francisco, Sherman struggled against Kansas City’s speedy receivers in the Super Bowl. They got behind him several times during the game.
After holding a 20-10 lead entering the fourth quarter, San Francisco crumbled as Patrick Mahomes kicked it into high gear. Kansas City scored 21 unanswered points and won the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.
No team has repeated as NFC Champions since the Seattle Seahawks went to back-to-back Super Bowls during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Sherman played an instrumental role in that team’s success.
After their crushing defeat, the 49ers may experience a Super Bowl hangover entering 2020, killing the team’s chances to make another run at the big game. On the other hand, if the team’s leaders don’t let the loss hamper their 2020 season, San Francisco’s roster can challenge for another title.
San Francisco’s cap situation might make the team unable to re-sign Sherman next year, but the team needs consistent leadership and a shutdown cornerback if they want another shot at a Lombardi.
