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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – A day after the San Francisco 49ers elected Richard Sherman as the representative of their players, the corner veteran thinks a lockout is coming on the expiry of the NFL collective agreement.
"It's going to happen, so it's not like the guys are guessing," Sherman said before the 49ers' training on Thursday.
The current ACA between players and NFL owners expires only after the 2020 season, but there have been rumors that players could slip by to get some economic changes, including included more money guaranteed in the contracts.
The owners locked the players for four months during the 2011 off-season, but the two teams finally reached a 10-year deal before the regular season was compromised.
Sherman said that he was expecting a lockout this time because there was a lockout before. We do not intend to change anything about the agreement we currently have … I do not think it will be negotiated before the end of the collective agreement. "
This question is about the road. For the moment, the three-time All-Pro corner return looks forward to his debut at 49ers Sunday in Minnesota. After being released by Seattle in March, Sherman, 30, signed a three-year deal with San Francisco.
He appears to have been fully recovered after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture that ended his 2017 season in November. But Sunday's game gives Sherman his first real test to prove he is still the same defender of the closure he was before the injury. And the first match will be played against a team of Vikings who expect a lot of offensive things after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins during the off season.
Until now, Sherman has pulled rave reviews for the leadership role he's played with a young 49ers defense.
"It's inspiring to play with a guy like the one who's played at a high level," said cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. & # 39; & # 39; I've always looked to him, always thought of him. Being able to take one's brain just inspires me to get my game to the next level. "
When asked if this week of preparation was different considering his new environment, Sherman replied:
& # 39; & # 39; I have my Kobe spikes & # 39;
Nike has a line of soccer cleats endorsed by former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Kobe Bryant, a friend of Sherman who offered corner tips on how to recover from an injury. Achilles, since Bryant had the same setback.
Sherman said he would feel like a butterfly when he started for his 49ers, but he said it would not be so different from his seven years with the Seahawks.
& # 39; & # 39; (There is) always this rookie in me. I do not think it changes from your first year to your eighth grade, "he said. & # 39; & # 39; I think you always go there knowing that you will have a chance to do something special and that you are excited about the possibilities. & # 39; & # 39;
NOTES: Weaksideback linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring) participated in Thursday's practice and is expected to be ready on Sunday, said defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Saleh also said that rookie Fred Warner will start from the linebacker.
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