Kam Ends Holdout — The Legion Of Boom Is Back

The Boom is Back. Kam Chancellor has returned to the Seattle Seahawks after holding out the first two games of the season. Kam ended his holdout, but is still playing under the contract he signed in 2013. Kam wanted a new deal. But the Seahawks have been reluctant to accept his terms, and Chancellor will return to the team without a new contract.

Since Kam signed in 2013, he has proved himself as one of the best strong safeties around. He’s earned Pro Bowl honors and second-team All-Pro honors in consecutive seasons with the Seahawks.

Kam officially ended his holdout when he texted Stephen A. Smith. The message was reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“Ima go help my teammates that are understanding of my position and the ones who aren’t. God forgives all, why can’t I? Time to help us get back to the big dance. I can address business after the season. Me and Marshawn started a mission 2 years ago. I can’t let my Dawg down…. Real talk.”

The Seahawks are a hard-fought 0-2 without the heroics of Kam. Many of the wounds Seattle suffered in the losses were self-inflicted. Kam ending his holdout and returning to the team could fix the minor flaws immediately. It’s unknown if Kam will be in the starting lineup for Week 3 against the Bears. If Chancellor is activated against Chicago, the Seahawks will have to release a player to accommodate the move. With things going the way they have, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Part of the reason Kam was holding out is his belief he wasn’t being paid properly for his leadership responsibilities. As reported by Pro Football Talk, Kam says he performs many of the duties that would be handled by the coaching staff. His value extends beyond the field and into the realm of psychologist, at times.

In five seasons with the Seahawks since he was picked in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Chancellor has been a force. Kam has played in all but three games for the Seahawks, earned three trips to the Pro Bowl, and has eight interceptions, six fumbles forced, and two sacks. Not too shabby for five years work.

Chancellor is currently due to make $4.55 million of base salary in 2015, $5.1 million in 2016, and $6.8 million in 2017, with $1 million of signing bonus money spread out over each season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Seahawks made an offer in training camp of $8.1 million for the 2016 season, but Kam wants $9 million.

Kam chose heart over hard cash. Rejoice, Seattle fans, the Boom is back.

[Photo by Tom Pennington / Getty Images]