Seattle Seahawks training camp opened today at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. With players not practicing in full pads yet, it’s hard to have clear insight on the depth chart and position battles. However, something stood out from the first day. Star receiver DK Metcalf appeared at practice, but did not participate.
All offseason, the Seahawks and Metcalf have been negotiating a contract extension for the 24-year-old wideout. Sadly, the sides could not come to an agreement before camp. However, Pete Carroll let everyone know they are addressing it.
“We’re working,” Carroll said. “I don’t have any update for you, but we’re working… There’s a lot of work being done, like right now.”
DK Metcalf, who did not practice on first day of Seahawks training camp, walks off after practice with position coach Sanjay Lal @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/DMmFxydgyW
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 27, 2022
Carroll also shot down any claims that Metcalf’s foot was why the receiver did not participate. Doctors surgically removed a screw from Metcalf’s foot back in February. It was one of the reasons the receiver did not participate in voluntary OTAs. Although, he did not appear at mandatory minicamp, which the team deemed an unexcused absence.
Based on his actions leading up to today, Metcalf has had his mind set on holding in. It remains unclear how close the two sides are to an agreement. Based on recent history, Metcalf’s hold-in could extend into preseason.
The Seahawks just dealt with players holding out/ holding in during contract negotiations last year. Duane Brown and Quandre Diggs held out/held in up until the first week of the regular season. Brown accepted all the NFL-mandated fines in route to a contract re-structuring. On the flip side, Diggs did not receive the desired contract extension, Though, the Seahawks gave him one this offseason.
This hold-in could go either way in terms of length. John Schneider and the Seahawks’ Front Office need to get this resolved quickly. Neither of their projected starting quarterbacks are viewed highly in NFL circles. It’ll be difficult for Drew Lock or Geno Smith prove doubters wrong without solid chemistry with DK Metcalf.
Unfortunately, the wide receiver market got crazy this offseason with Christian Kirk, Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams all signing lucrative deals. Metcalf wants something in that while the Seahawks want something more team-friendly. It’ll be interesting to see how blinks first in this staredown.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
