The Seattle Seahawks hold-ins were actually a good thing for this year

The Seattle Seahawks had three players in the best positions this preseason who were the only team of their kind in this scenario. Sometimes the situation felt good, mostly irritating. Wrong hands were in effect on others.

Sure, it was a more dramatic summer than the Front Office had hoped. But what if the way Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs and Duane Brown ended their holdouts means an extremely positive result within the organization?

Theory: The conclusion of the Adams / Brown / Diggs denial was about as good as it could have got for the Seahawks. All three finished today’s NFL with relatively no drama and speak positively of the collective attitude this season.

Part 1: Jamal Adams

In the days following his contract renewal, Jamal Adams said his mother “used his full name and if my mother says my full name I must be careful.” That’s cute, admirable, probably honest, and always listen to your mother for full name.

However, this is one adult multimillionaire speaking here who was notoriously at odds with his previous franchise. In the past he talked a lot about getting paid like a linebacker or blowing up the security market.

The day after the now famous maternal encouragement, Adams signed the deal in front of his eyes. No more negotiations, no more last minute changes. He ended without drama, diverted attention from the process, and got back to work.

Part 2: Quandre Diggs

Quandre Diggs is a little more confusing because of his own admission. Diggs began his absence after the Jamal Adams deal, and it seemed like he’d waited his turn to step up negotiations. It would have made sense; and he’s the only one on this list who has similar long-term leverage. However, Diggs himself stated that it was more of a private company and that he had to take care of something outside of the camp first.

FS Quandre Diggs on his plan for the future with #Seahawks: “As soon as the business, the little business that I have to do, as soon as you know, is done, signed, sealed, delivered, you know I’ll come back to the practice. ” (1)

– Matty F. Brown (@mattyfbrown) September 1, 2021

Even so, it was a relatively brief absence, and Diggs was present, active, and quick throughout the rest of the camp. He tweeted his appreciation for the seventh season and returned to practice with Duane Brown on Monday.

Part 3: Duane Brown

Duane Brown’s situation was the strangest, yet most enlightening. Brown’s hold-in came seemingly out of nowhere in that final year of a generous three-year deal he signed with Seattle upon arrival. It’s unusual because he doesn’t really have the youthfulness needed to negotiate long deals. It’s not like anyone expected Brown to play a lonely preseason snap anyway or ever really practice a lot. Dude could have shown up and played pattycake with the rookies and we would have been proud of our favorite offensive lineman.

Why sit out? For more financial security, of course, if possible.

But why come back now? On Monday, in time to practice in time to start week 1 of this season? The team has turned some money into guarantees, but no new deal has been made and Brown has no certainty that he will be a Seahawk next year.

What does that mean?

For all three, the cynic says players try what they’ll try, get what they can get, and bite the bullet when they can’t.

But I look at the timing, the past and the ease with which they came back and I see three of the most important players on this team signaling that they believe in this team this season.

After all, Duane Brown has held out before. He’s missed games and knows what it is like, and he’s also been paid enough to do it all over again if necessary. Similarly, Adams was so disaffected with the New York Jets organization that some believed him to be a troublemaker. It turned out that the Jets just do that to people.

Instead of chaos, all three are back and may have left money on the table. Adams least of all; Diggs most of all – especially if he’s stepping backwards at all. Brown will play now with no future.

This is an extremely positive result for the Seahawks. Not playing Brown very well would have been the most devastating. If you’ve seen five minutes of offensive tackles preseason, you know why. But I think all these guys have confidence in this squad and in the high ceiling of this team. The whole thing could be chalked up as Pete Carroll, who continues to walk on thin ice with too much indulgence for too many great personalities. I find that superficial and imprecise. While these are three impressive personalities, they have all turned back to the “team” mentality, each in their own way in their respective situations that can only encourage the rest of the club.

It’s subtle, but it’s a peek behind the doors that this team believes in themselves this year. The veterans had a calm, enterprising demeanor that summer. I think this team is just as disappointed with the playoff results as the fans are, and at the same time has the feeling that they are facing a special season.