Sherman's Incentive Contract.
I was just looking at Richard Sherman's deal with the 49 ers. I don't think it's that bad for him. The agents may spin it so that they are the needed party for players contract. Sherman is a smart dude and does his research. I doubt an agent could have done any better with a CB coming off not just one, but two Achilles tears. Remember this guy isn't even running yet in the process of rehab. He has no leverage other than his past. So the contract has to reflect the process of injury recovery for CB. The guaranteed money is split into every step of the recovery, from signing (3 mil), after TC (2 mil roster bonus), and playing incentives to reflect how well he has retained his talent after the injuries. And this is just for his first year of recovery. In 2019 and 2020, the guaranteed are high and fully, once the team accepted him for that year.
It's a fair deal for both sides. What he could have done for the Patriots is anyone's guess. I doubt the Patriots were willing to take a risk on a cornerback with not just a torn ACL but two. The Patriots usually start from the ground up with fresh new untapped talent that wants to prove themselves.