Could the Seahawks be open to trading Richard Sherman?

For the past five seasons, Richard Sherman has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL - a rare combination of shutdown corner and playmaker.

The cornerback is one of the major reasons for the Seahawks' recent run of success, but at nearly 29 years old and coming off a relative down year, could Seattle be looking to move on from its star player just before a potential decline, in a fashion the Patriots are famous for?

Former NFL executive Mike Lombardi said Thursday on "The Ringer NFL Show" that, based on what he's hearing around the league, the Seahawks would be interested in trading Sherman "for the right deal."

Lombardi mentioned Sherman in relation to the New Orleans Saints' potential trade for New England cornerback Malcolm Butler, arguing that Sherman is only two years older than Butler and has two years remaining on a more affordable deal than the one Butler will need from whomever trades for him.

Now, while there has been no other indication the Seahawks are interested in moving Sherman, it is an interesting notion.

Sherman's drop-off in play last season could have been due to a knee injury that plagued him during the second half of the campaign, but there's an argument that his best football is behind him.

He will be nearly 31 when his contract expires, and Darrelle Revis' sudden decline might give the Seahawks pause for thought, especially if teams offer a substantial trade package that could be used to extend the team's window as a Super Bowl contender.

It seems unlikely, but with a host of teams in need of a top cornerback and with cap space to burn, more shocking trades have happened.

Do you think the Seahawks should trade Sherman?