Rost’s Seahawks Takeaways: What stands out after 1st day of camp

Day one of Seahawks training camp is in the books.

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As with any early phase of camp, no pads meant the biggest questions were the ones that could be immediately obvious, and that’s exactly where we’re starting this week’s takeaways: who’s hurt, who’s sitting out, and who’s playing with the ones?

Hold-outs are out and hold-ins are in

DK Metcalf reported with the rest of Seattle’s players Tuesday but, as expected, remained on the sidelines in practice when camp opened Wednesday.

DK Metcalf watches as Seahawks QB competition gets underway

Metcalf chatted with fellow receivers, followed the group around during position drills, and gave a wave to a group of a dozen young, excited Seahawks fans chanting and screaming his name (the waving did not continue, but the chanting did, much to the chagrin of a certain morning show host who was standing just feet away.)

DK Metcalf out with the team. No helmet — no surprise while he waits for an extension. Otherwise chatting with the rest of the receiver group. @SeattleSports pic.twitter.com/rFvY9LaR75

— Stacy Jo Rost (@StacyRost) July 27, 2022

Metcalf and Seattle have had ongoing conversations about an extension for the 24-year-old star, but those talks have yet to result in a deal. Back in June, Carroll lamented that the two sides hadn’t yet been able to wrap it up.

“There’s been conversations and we’re in kind of a standard semi-quiet right now (before training camp),” Carroll said following a minicamp practice. “These are crucial weeks to get something done. We’ll see what happens and hope that we can work something out. We really intended to get that done.”

They have not yet. And until they do, Metcalf will presumably remain off the field. Of note, Metcalf’s participation status isn’t the result of offseason foot surgery, Carroll confirmed.

“We’re working (on a deal),” Carroll told reporters after practice Wednesday. “I don’t have any update for you. But we’re working.”

Metcalf isn’t the only young star opting out of practice during contract negotiations: San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel and Chargers’ Derwin James are also holding in. Safety Jamal Adams and left tackle Duane Brown took the same approach with the Seahawks during training camp last year.

Carroll has made it clear the team intends to keep Metcalf in Seattle. The issue – in all likelihood – is one of sticker shock. An offseason of major receiver trades and new deals means Metcalf and the Seahawks are looking at a floor of around $24 to $25 million per year.

They have one clear incentive to get a deal done before free agency next spring: if the Seahawks don’t pay Metcalf what he wants, another team will.

Geno Smith remains with the ones

It’s not Drew Lock’s show just yet. Geno Smith remained with the first team, as he did through minicamp, while Lock took his snaps with the twos.

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“Drew had a very, very good offseason with us,” Carroll said. “He’s just behind in the learning and so he’s catching up. But he’s a really talented football player. They’re not exactly the same, but they’re both big guys who can throw and run… Geno’s in the lead right now and he’s ahead and he ain’t looking back, he’s going for it. And Drew’s not going to take a backseat. So something’s gonna happen… it’s going to be exciting to see.”

Rookie report

Running back Ken Walker III had a few nice runs during 11-on-11s. Cornerback Tariq Woolen, a selection whose athleticism made him too tempting to pass up in the draft, stood taller than any other corner. But only left tackle Charles Cross, the No. 9 overall pick, worked with the ones.

Seattle’s youngest players – Walker, Woolen, Coby Bryant, Bo Melton, Boye Mafe, Abraham Lucas and Dareke Young – may be exciting fans, but Carroll’s theme of competition remains alive and well. 2021 undrafted free agent right tackle Jake Curhan started with the first team (the starting offensive line from left to right was Cross, Damien Lewis, Austin Blythe, Gabe Jackson, and Curhan) while Sidney Jones and Artie Burns started at each corner spot, ahead of Bryant and Woolen.

Rookie linebacker Tyreke Smith (hip) was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start camp, though Carroll said he’s nearing a return. (As a reminder, there is no minimum time for players placed on the PUP list in the preseason; they can be activated at any time during camp.) Smith was getting work in one-on-one with a trainer before practice.

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