"Now, there's lots of stuff that go into it at the end of the year," Shanahan said this past week, "and how we're going to balance all this out, and we have to figure out what the salary cap is and stuff with what happens, but I know in Sherm's time here, he's been everything we've hoped and more. And I really hope these next whatever games we have left, I really hope that's not the end of it."
Sherman says he would love to continue his time with the 49ers. But the veteran cornerback, who is in the final year of his contract, isn't optimistic that will happen.
"We've had brief conversations," Sherman told NBC Sports Bay Area. "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.
"That's the sad, sad truth. It's one of those years where it's not anybody's fault that it may not work out. And it will be a sad parting because I've really enjoyed my time here. I've enjoyed this team. I have brothers on this team, and I think we still have work to do. But I don't know that the circumstances will allow it."
Sherman will be 33 years old next season, and the 49ers have several players to pay. Not only does San Francisco not have any cornerbacks signed beyond this season, but the team will need to start thinking about young star linebacker Fred Warner's contract extension. Sherman knows that. He'd like to return but just doesn't see the numbers adding up and says it might take something "miraculous" to happen for him to remain in red and gold.
"I understand there's a number of guys on our team with that this year," Shanahan said. "But whoever can help us win football games are guys we're trying to figure out how to bring back, and especially guys who do it the right way. Sherm is as good as anyone in those categories."
Sherman has played in just two games this season after suffering a calf injury during Week 1. The future Hall of Famer felt and looked good in his return to the football field last weekend and feels his injury problems are behind him.
"I've enjoyed my time," Sherman said. "I've loved every moment of it. And I wish we could continue it for a couple more years, but it's not looking likely."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan on blocking out online noise: 'Don't make someone else's reality your reality'
Kyle Shanahan takes a pragmatic approach to handling online criticism—he ignores it. The San Francisco 49ers head coach recently opened up about his mindset during a challenging season for his squad, which was once considered a Super Bowl favorite but is now 5-6 and... -
Brock Purdy skips Thursday media session: What it means for 49ers-Packers showdown
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy refrained from throwing during Wednesday's practice after sustaining a shoulder injury in the team's recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Officially listed as a limited participant, Purdy focused on mental reps while resting his sore... -
49ers vs. Packers injury report: Purdy briefly throws before exiting practice; Still no Williams, Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 12 contest against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Brock Purdy, who refrained from throwing during Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, resumed light throwing to team staff... -
Pelissero provides update on Brock Purdy's injury and 49ers-Packers status
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited during Wednesday's practice and refrained from throwing altogether in at least the position of practice that was open to the media. Purdy is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle...