Nov 5, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Brian Quick (83) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Redskins defeated the Seahawks 17-14. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The newest member of the Legion of Boom is speaking out on the future of the group.
Cornerback Shaquill Griffin is the only guaranteed starter expected to return to the Seahawks’ secondary in 2018.
After all, Kam Chancellor’s future is in doubt as he nurses a neck injury. Fellow safety Earl Thomas has threatened a holdout if he doesn’t receive a contract extension and cornerback Richard Sherman is rehabilitating from an Achilles injury.
“Right now (the group’s future) is kind of in the air, but trust me, the Legion of Boom will never go away,” the 22-year-old Griffin said. “The thing is these are the guys who created the Legion of Boom. We all know that. But just because they might not be here or they’re not coming back, the Legion of Boom is not over.
“This is a legacy that they created for young guys to come and take over. Trust me, we’ve got some great younger guys that are ready to compete and are ready to play ball. The Legion of Boom is never going to be over, but of course we want those guys back, because those are the originals.”
Griffin feels confident that Chancellor will return to the team, although coach Pete Carroll said after the season that the 29-year-old’s road back to the club could be a tough one because of injury.
“Right now I feel like he’s going to come back,” Griffin said. “I know he loves the game, and I know it’s going to be hard for him to go without it. It’s something for us to look forward to, because I feel like Kam is definitely going to come back. At the end of the day, though, it’s his decision. We’re going to see how that goes. When it comes that time for him to make that decision, I feel like he’ll do that.”
Chancellor’s $6.8 million salary for 2018 was guaranteed on Feb. 9. The four-time Pro Bowl selection signed a three-year extension in August.
Chancellor’s eighth NFL season came to an end when he hurt his neck on the final possession of a 22-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 9. He was placed on injured reserve later that month.
Griffin, who was a third-round pick by Seattle in the 2017 draft, recorded 59 tackles, 15 passes defended, one sack and one interception in 15 games during his rookie season.
