Veteran cornerback Richard Sherman is flying to Tampa on Tuesday to visit and work out for the Buccaneers, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Sherman, who has been in discussions with the Bucs for several weeks, needs a week or two from the time he signs with his next team until he’s ready to play, sources told ESPN’s Ed Werder.
The Bucs are without Sean Murphy-Bunting, who was placed on injured reserve with a dislocated right elbow Sept. 20. He also serves as the team’s nickelback.
Coach Bruce Arians had previously said that general manager Jason Licht had reached out to Sherman to gauge his interest.
Sherman, 33, would provide valuable experience to one of the league’s youngest defensive backfields, and he’s a sure tackler, which has been an issue for the Bucs’ defense thus far this season.
NFL Network first reported that Sherman would be visiting the Bucs.
He has legal issues he’s still sorting through. He was arrested in July in connection to an incident at the home of his wife’s parents in Redmond, Washington, and was charged with five misdemeanors, including two counts of domestic violence — criminal trespass in the second degree and malicious mischief in the third degree — as well as resisting arrest, driving while under the influence and reckless endangerment of roadway workers.
Sherman pleaded not guilty to all five charges and said in a statement on Twitter he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions and “behaved in a manner I’m not proud of.”
In February, King County prosecutors and the sheriff also obtained an “extreme risk protection order” for Sherman, barring him from having guns after a judge determined he posed a danger to himself and others. Details of the case were sealed.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine contributed to this report.