The Seahawks have a few important starters set to become free agents next year. At the top of the list are left tackle Duane Brown and free safety Quandre Diggs.
Brown got an adjustment to his contract just before this season began but not the extension he was looking for. He’s been ranked No. 34 on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50 free agents of 2022. Brown’s performance this season has been a bit inconsistent. However, he remains a better-than-average lineman, even at 36 years old. PFF is projecting Brown will get a two-year, $20 million deal, which seems fair. What’s more interesting is that Diggs was left off the list entirely.
Diggs is the only Seattle player with an interception this year (he has three) and he’s totaled 11 picks in the 29 games he’s played since he was traded from the Lions. That makes him by far the best ballhawk in the Seahawks’ secondary since Richard Sherman’s prime. And yet, Diggs can’t seem to get any respect – either from the national media or from his own front office in the form of a new contract.
Diggs’ coverage grade from PFF this season is only 66.7. Other numbers indicate that Diggs has been a true shutdown DB, though. He has only given up one touchdown and 168 yards this year to go with a 47.6% completion rate and a 51.4 passer rating allowed.
There are other concerns, but re-signing Diggs to a long-term deal should be priority No. 1 for Seattle’s front office before free agency begins next year.
