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SANTA CLARA — Richard Sherman defected from the Seattle Seahawks to the 49ers this past offseason, and he’d like free safety Earl Thomas to do the same in a couple months.

“Would I love to play with Earl B. Thomas III? I’d love to, I’d love to have him back in the locker room,” Sherman said Thursday. “But I’m sure he’ll have a plethora of opportunities and I’m sure we’re going to throw our hat in the ring.”

Thomas’ Seahawks tenure likely ended when, after a contract-extension stalemate all offseason, he sustained a broken leg Sept. 30. In nine seasons, he made six Pro Bowls and helped form the Legion of Boom with Sherman. Thomas was in the last year of a four-year, $40 million deal.

The 49ers have long sought a Thomas-like free safety as their so-called “Eraser” in a defensive scheme copied from Seattle. Jimmie Ward and Adrian Colbert were the leading candidates until injuries shelved them, and converted strong safety Antone Exum has filled that role in these closing games, finishing Sunday against the host Los Angeles Rams. Related Articles 49ers-Giants injury report: George Kittle, Jimmy Garoppolo among those out

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Sherman negotiated his own contract with the 49ers after the Seahawks cut him, after an Achilles rupture prematurely ended his seventh and final season.

The ever-loquacious Sherman is willing to stump on behalf of the 49ers, who can’t officially start talking to pending free agents until March 11.

“If they need me to be, I have no problem with it,” Sherman said of recruiting. “This is a pretty attractive destination as is. But, you know, money is the best recruiter. I’ll give my two cents.

“I’ll give my best recruiting pitch, an if they say, ‘Hey, we have $7 for you,’ it’s not going to matter. I can do the worst recruiting pitch and if they pay him like a top player, money talks.”

Thomas is a top player and Texas native who the Dallas Cowboys reportedly tried to trade for before his injury. Is he a fit with the 49ers?

“Earl Thomas can fit anywhere he wants to fit,” Sherman answered.

Sherman has fit well with the 49ers, having been designated a captain and playing well in his comeback from surgeries on both of his lower legs.

The 49ers (4-11) haven’t played well, however, amid injuries, young replacements and a lack of defensive play-makers around Sherman.

“I knew what I was coming into – a bunch of young guys. I try to relate to them, bring them together and get them to play good ball,” Sherman said.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was on Seattle’s staff when Sherman and Thomas were emerging as stars, spoke glowingly of Sherman’s adaption to the 49ers.

“This is the first year he’s truly had to go through adversity,” Saleh said. “Since he’s been in the league, he’s done nothing but win. Now he’s on field with four or five rookies, and I can’t say enough about him. He’s brought veteran calmness to the group. He’s been awesome.”