Richard Sherman Podcast - Why Seahawks PAID Jaxon Smith-Njigba $42M, 49ers-Trent Duffy drama, OBJ next team | Richard Sherman

Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast. Big week: Jackson Smith-Njigba just reset the market, and Seattle locked it in early so the long-term number looks team-friendly. The room’s paid now, which means the standard’s higher, and I think they’re built for it.

With JSN at the top of the receiver market and the cap climbing, how should fans read this deal and the ripple effect across the roster?

Getting it done early smooths the average and protects flexibility, but you can’t keep everyone, so drafting and depth matter more. They’ll pay their blue-chips like Devon Witherspoon, lean on the next-man-up plan, and if Sam Darnold carries his playoff form through the season, they’re a nightmare to face.

Did John Schneider nail last offseason by moving on from stars to open lanes for JSN, and is there anything you’d redo?

He’s been on a heater—smart trades, strong drafts, and investing in the lines. Even taking a guard early set the tone for a tougher, tighter offensive line culture.

Seattle re-signed Jake Bobo. Beyond the box score, what does he give them?

He’s a glue guy—special teams ace, willing blocker, reliable when it counts—and that shows up in playoff moments even if the targets are light.

After the Rams paid McDuffie, how would you handle a Witherspoon extension—do you set the corner market again?

You try not to set it, but if you strike early, the long view looks reasonable. I expect a top-of-market deal that keeps him happy and preserves cap flexibility down the road.

Why are we seeing fewer franchise tags, even for productive backs?

Tags lock in inflexible money; Seattle prefers multi-year structures they can shape. That approach is why their dead money stays low and the books stay clean.

Quick detour—congrats on the Emmy nomination. How’s that feel this early in your media run?

It’s humbling, and it’s a credit to the Thursday Night crew front to back; I’m fortunate to be part of a team that makes the product sing every week.

Over in San Francisco, the 49ers declined Trent Williams’ option and ate money now. What’s the play?

They’re tired of pushing dead money, so they’re taking the hit upfront. Both sides want Trent there, and as time passes his leverage dips, but I expect they find a way to keep him.

We watched flag football stars cook NFL names under different rules. Could NFL players dominate with time and the right roster?

Flag is a different sport, so picking pure space players matters—think jitterbug receivers, quick backs, versatile DBs, and a mobile QB. Grabbing flags isn’t tackling, and that technique takes reps, but with the right skill sets you’d see a much better showing.

Odell flashed in that game and is still unsigned. Do you see a fit for him this season?

Teams know he can still win the ball; health and role are the questions now. Same with DeAndre Hopkins—maybe not peak versions, but they’re quality pros who help if the role’s right.

Plenty of vets remain on the market and the draft is coming. Always a pleasure, and congrats again—take us out.

Appreciate you riding with us. Enjoy the offseason and spring, have a great Easter, and we’ll catch you next time—nothing but love.