A series of tweets leave speculation that Chancellor may retire in the middle of a contract with the Seahawks as a result of permanent injuries.
Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor took to Twitter on Sunday, expressing the realities of his career-threatening neck injury from last season, which prompt speculations of his retirement.
The 30-year-old suffered a career-threatening neck injury last season and said in May that he would continue playing if his health permitted.
On July 2, Chancellor tweeted,
"To walk away from the game by choice is one thing, to walk away from the game because of the risk of paralysis is another".
He added to his social media statements, stating how the "final test" of his injury "showed no healing."
"I've played through all types of bruises and injuries at a high level. But this one, I just can't ignore," he tweeted.
Chancellor, a four-time Pro Bowler, missed the final seven games of last season after he was injured while making a tackle late in a November win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Known for his hard-hitting as part of the Seahawks' famed "Legion of Boom" defense, Chancellor signed a three-year, $36 million extension last summer.
With a salary of $6.8 million in 2018, he also became fully guaranteed in February. Notably, $5.2 million of his $10 million payroll for 2019 is guaranteed for injury.
By retiring, Chancellor could potentially forfeit those guarantees, though a settlement would be negotiated.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said at the end of the season that Chancellor and defensive end Cliff Avril were going to "have a hard time playing football again." Avril also suffered a career-threatening neck injury last season and was released in May with a failed physical designation.
The team had no updates on Chancellor's status over the offseason, with the exception of general manager John Schneider saying that Chancellor was scheduled to have another test in June or July that could provide some clarity on his football future.
The Seahawks clearly seemed to be preparing as though Chancellor would be retiring. They re-signed Bradley McDougald this offseason to a three-year deal after the versatile safety made two starts last season for Earl Thomas at free safety and the final seven at strong safety once Chancellor was injured. Seattle also signed Los Angeles Rams starting strong safety Maurice Alexander to a one-year deal.
Notably, Chancellor missed the first two games of the 2015 season, returning without a new contract or added salary to his existing deal, and playing two seasons before the Seahawks gave him a three-year extension last summer.
Gilchrist was just recently signed and his injury is minor. He should be ready by training camp in a limited capacity. He does provide the Chagers with depth but I don't think his injury will keep him out long.
Yeah, Gilchrist is another safety.... what you think