Chris Clemons skipping OTA’s; what is he thinking?!?!
By Dan Viens
Veteran defensive end Chris Clemons recently re-signed with the Seahawks, but has chosen to skip the team’s voluntary off season workouts.
This doesn’t seem like the best way to go about impressing your new employer.
When Chris Clemons signed a free agent deal to return for his second stint in Seattle, it was seen as a potential fit, but no slam dunk. After all, Clemons only managed 3 sacks last year as a part time starter in Jacksonville. Add that to the fact the Seahawks are loaded with much younger talent along their defensive front, and you would think Clemons planned on doing everything in his power to prove to Pete Carroll and his staff that he could still play at a high level.
Apparently, he doesn’t think it’s necessary.
As the team convened for it’s first full-squad offseason practice sessions in Renton, Clemons was no where to be seen. Nothing had been reported until today, the third full practice session, as this was the first time reporters were allowed to watch.
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When asked about Clemons’ whereabouts today after practice, Carroll was curt: “he really knows the meaning of voluntary.”
Clemons isn’t the only one skipping OTA’s, but he’s the most baffling. Michaell Bennett isn’t participating as he continues to show displeasure over his current contract, but by all accounts he’s expected to rejoin the team for the start of official training camp.
This certainly isn’t the first time Clemons has done this; he skipped a few voluntary practices in his first go-round in Seattle. But back then he was in a situation more similar to Bennett’s, when he was in the midst of a 4 year run where he racked up 38 sacks.
Now, he’s a 34 year old veteran who may be trying to make a team for the last time. And making this team is no guarantee, as the Hawks are loaded with young talent along their front four.
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Clemons needs to play well to make the final roster, but he may need to do more than that. Maybe Carroll and Schneider knew when they signed him that he wouldn’t be showing up for these sessions, maybe not. They aren’t saying.
But at minimum, it’s a bad look for a guy trying to extend his career. He sits at home while other hungrier, younger players get all the snaps he’s leaving on the practice field.