The special teams ace will hit the market next week.
According to multiple reports, the Cardinals won’t tender WR Trent Sherfield as a restricted free agent.
Sherfield, who has been with the team since 2018, was undrafted out of Vanderbilt. While he has never developed into an every down player at receiver, Sherfield has become one of the better special teamers in all of pro football.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sherfield finished the 2020 season with a special teams grade of 71.2.
Sherfield recovered two fumbles on special teams last year, both of which led to Cardinals TDs https://t.co/tzRhSzxYPj
— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) March 12, 2021
According to Tom Pelissero, a Sherfield original tender would have cost the Cardinals right around $2.1 million dollars in 2021.
2021 Restricted Free Agent Tender Amounts
1st round: $4.766 million
2nd round: $3.384M
Original round: $2.183M
Right of first refusal only: $2.133M
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2021
While it’s possible for Sherfield to return to the team on a new deal, expect the three year veteran to have a healthy free agent market.
It was just two days ago in which the Cardinals brought back another special teams ace in LB Tanner Vallejo. While Vallejo has an equally sparkling special team grade via PFF at 78.3, the young LB figures to see some time in his natural position next season.
Does the decision to non-tender Sherfield mean the team has big plans for wide receiver in free agency?
Only time will tell.
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