I predict Earl gets extended first, but have every confidence they are working on trying to extend both right now. What Kip says about Earl having made good money already makes sense, and in a logical world it would seem appropriate to reward Sherman first, however, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the Hawks value chart has Earl listed ahead of Sherm from a positional and leadership standpoint. In their system, I could see them wanting Earl locked up regardless of whether they can get Sherman done or not, and Earl's contract being easier to accomplish.
For insight into their likely thinking, look at Kam's deal last year and his comments about the process. JCPC are straightforward with their guys. They told Kam they'd take care of him a year before he was eligible to be extended, and they did just that when the time came.
“They told me at the end of last season that they were going to take care of me because they knew I was a core guy that worked hard all the time and led by example,” Chancellor said.
Earl is 100% a core guy who leads by example, and similar could be said about Sherm, with the only sticking point being affordability. If a doomsday scenario presents itself and it comes down to one or the other, I would bank on Earl staying and Sherm going, but we all hope it doesn't come to that. If it does, this next year could be marred with distractions about Sherm's future with the team.
Assuming they can afford both, I think Earl's deal gets done in late March, early April, and Sherman's deal completed after the dust settles in the CB market, so Sherm can see the landscape. Kam signed his extension in April. They may or may not announce Earl's signing right away if both deals are close and they expect to get both done. JSPC are very savvy, and like they did with Kam, they'll want Sherm to have his day in the sun, and not be overshadowed by Earl in any way. Here's the precedent:
“We’re trying to make a big deal out of this day for Kam,” general manager John Schneider said. “This is Kam’s day. Kam was a fifth-round draft pick. He hasn’t been able to experience something like this. Hopefully he’s here for the rest of his career.”
These guys understand player's egos. It is just one more thing to respect in how they go about their business.
Quotes are taken from the following artice:
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/ ... hancellor/