When you start rewarding players like Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner with large, rich contract extensions, other players will be stepping up and asking for a raise as well. The Seattle Seahawks are now in more difficult circumstances with Josina Anderson reporting safety Kam Chancellor's holdout could last into the regular season if a middle ground can't be established.
Chancellor is in the midst of a four-year contract extension that would pay him $35 million over the next five years. Set to make $4.55 million this season, the 2013 and '14 Second-Team All-Pro has been vital to the Seahawks' Super Bowl appearances the past two years, standing out in coverage and crushing running backs.
If Seattle and Chancellor are unable to find that middle ground as Anderson reporter, Chancellor's absence could be a major blow in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. While Earl Thomas should be healthy, taking away a premier strong safety and that enforcer takes away a key chess piece from their defense.
But while Chancellor's importance to this team is well known, Seattle is starting to being strapped for cap space with the recent extensions. They've already had to release defensive tackle Tony McDaniel and the cuts could continue if Chancellor refuses to play under his current deal.
Fantasy Spin:
Chancellor finished last year with 78 total tackles and a forced fumble last season in 14 games, a down year from his 200 total tackles combined in 2012 and 2013. He entered the season as the 19th defensive back off the board, with IDP owners hoping he could return close to the 100-tackle, three-interception season. If his holdout continues, Chancellor's ADP should be sliding down until the contract dispute is resolved.