Jerry Rice thinks Richard Sherman’s unknown future will benefit 49ers

The 49ers were glad to get Richard Sherman back in their Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams. After all, they might not have many games left with the All-Decade corner wearing the red and gold.

Sherman, who will be a free agent after the season, told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco that it isn't looking like he will be returning to San Francisco in 2021. A star player coming out and saying his time with the team is all but done would normally serve as a distraction for a 5-6 team looking to make a last-ditch playoff run.

But Jerry Rice thinks it could actually work in the 49ers' favor as they prepare to face the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

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"That could be a motivating factor for him because he got an interception last week, and I think he's a big factor in that secondary," Rice told 95.7 The Game's "The Morning Roast." "And I think, with his experience, he brings a lot of knowledge, and he helps those younger guys to get in position to where they can make plays.

"So, this could be a rallying call. I don't think it's a distraction or anything like that, but it's Monday Night Football, and it's time to go right now, guys."

The 49ers could be facing an almost entirely rebuilt secondary next season. Safety Jimmie Ward will be back but Sherman, Jason Verrett, Jaquaski Tartt, Emmanuel Mosely and K'Waun Williams all are set to become free agents.

However, that's an issue for another day. After the Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the 49ers now are one win away from edging even with both the Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings for the seventh and final NFC playoff spot.