A lot of fans seem to be misconstruing Richard Sherman’s quotes to various reporters about possibly returning to the Seahawks.

The essence of every quote was this: The Seahawks let him go so they could gain his $11 million in cap space but are open to him returning at a reduced rate. In his initial comments to those reporters, Sherman said nothing about wanting to come back.

His most extensive comments were to Gee Scott of KIRO Radio: “We’ve had conversations and they’ve told me that they’re going to allow me to go into free agency. But they want me to understand that the door’s open for me to return. They’re just trying to do what they need to do to clear up space and give me and them the best chance at free agency, and I’ve got to appreciate and respect that.”

He said variations of that to several national reporters:

Richard Sherman tells me that the Seahawks told him, “they are gonna let me explore free agency with the hope that I can return. They just wanted the financial flexibility.” https://t.co/TyswO5K9ov

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2018

Seahawks CB @RSherman_25 tells me he’s been released: “They wanted the financial flexibility going into free agency but expressed that they wanted me to return and will be in contact.”

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2018

Asked Richard Sherman what he’s looking for in his next team: “Looking for a great fit. A team that has a great QB. Looking for somewhere I will be comfortable.” Who fits that description? 🤔

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2018

So, until you actually hear Sherman say he wants to come back to Seattle, don’t hold your breath. And don’t be “mad, bro” if he ends up signing with the Patriots.