Sherman: Re-signing with 49ers 'not looking likely'

Richard Sherman believes his time with the San Francisco 49ers may be coming to an end.

Sherman is in the final season of his three-year contract with the team, and though he'd like to remain with the 49ers, the 32-year-old - who acted as his own agent when he hit free agency in 2018 - said negotiations suggest a likely end to his tenure with San Francisco.

"We've had brief conversations. I think that there's obviously a want from both sides to come back and make this work. Unfortunately, I don't know that the circumstances will allow it," Sherman said, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

He added: "I've enjoyed my time. I've loved every minute of it. And I wish we could continue it for a couple more years, but it's not looking likely."

Sherman is still a difference-maker when he's on the field. He allowed just one touchdown against him in each of 2018 and 2019, and his Pro Bowl 2019 campaign coincided with the 49ers' trip to the Super Bowl.

However, he's appeared in just two contests this season. He returned last week from a nine-game absence due to a calf injury.

The long list of injuries the 49ers have dealt with this campaign is matched only by the list of impending free agents they have in 2021.

"There are a ton of guys that need to be paid and are coming up," Sherman said. "Fred Warner is coming up. There are, like, 40 free agents who need to be re-signed. At the end of the day, they have to do what's best for the majority, for the team.

"And I got to understand that. And so the numbers are adding up to that I won't be here, unless something miraculous happens, which would be really cool."