After back-to-back 11-sack seasons, it’s not surprising that Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons thinks he’s earned a raise. But it is surprising that he has gone about getting that raise by skipping a mandatory minicamp.
At least, it was surprising to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who said he had no idea Clemons wouldn’t be there today.
“This was kind of a late development that he’s not [here],” Carroll said, via the Seattle Times. “So I’m a little bit surprised that he’s not here. We’ve had open communications with the agent, and with Chris, and feel like everything is on the up-and-up and very amicable and all that.”
Clemons is due $4 million in 2012, the final season of his current contract. Carroll says the Seahawks are open to giving the 30-year-old Clemons a contract extension that gives him more money this year.
“It continues to be one of our priorities,” Carroll said. “We’d love to get him back, but it doesn’t look like he’s going to show up for the rest of the camp.”
As a result of Clemons holding out for more money, the Seahawks are planning to pay Clemons less money -- Seattle will fine Clemons $63,000 for missing the full three-day minicamp.