The Seattle Seahawks will have two former key players squaring off in the Super Bowl in Richard Sherman and Frank Clark. Both have gone on to become significant contributors to their new teams in the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. This could leave Seahawks fans wondering what could have been if the team kept the two defensive stars.
The Seahawks released Sherman after the 2017 season, during which he tore his Achilles against Cardinals, looking to shed the player with the second-biggest cap hit on the team. Seattle traded Clark to the Chiefs for draft picks, including their second-round pick in 2020.
While Shaquill Griffin had a solid third season for Seattle overall, Sherman returned to form in 2019, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nods. The Seahawks’ secondary is still generally missing playmakers even if some of the defensive struggles can be attributed to Ken Norton Jr.
Clark did not perform consistently well for Kansas City until Week 7 but has been a major force ever since. Jadeveon Clowney was not able to replace his production as a pass rusher, although he factored significantly into the run defense and other aspects of play throughout the season.
There is no telling what would have happened had the Seahawks managed to keep Sherman or Clark, but fans will be left thinking about what could have been when the two square off on Super Bowl Sunday.
