### Seahawks Overhaul Defense, Release Quandre Diggs to Clear Cap Space
The Seattle Seahawks made significant changes to their defense after appointing new head coach Mike Macdonald, including the release of safety Quandre Diggs in March to free up cap space.
Diggs had one year remaining on his $39 million contract, with a $10.4 million salary and a $21.2 million cap hit for the current season. By cutting the 31-year-old veteran, the Seahawks cleared $11 million in cap space for 2024.
Two months later, Diggs remains a free agent. However, The Athletic’s Randy Mueller predicts he’ll eventually rejoin his former team, the Detroit Lions.
“He hasn’t missed a game since 2019 and has played at least 97% of the defensive snaps in three consecutive seasons, despite suffering a broken leg in the 2021 finale,” Mueller wrote. “He had a career-high 95 tackles last season, his first-step quickness is still impressive, and his instincts for reading and reacting in zone coverage make him a valuable asset for most teams.
“I believe a return to the Motor City, where he spent his first five years in the league, makes sense. The Lions have revamped their secondary, especially at cornerback, and a veteran communicator could be the key to solidifying the back end.”
Doug Farrar @NFL_DougFarrar tweeted: “Quandre Diggs is a really interesting free agent. I didn’t see any drop in athletic ability last season, but the landmarks in Seattle’s defense were just… odd at times. There are times when your ‘off year’ isn’t all your responsibility. @qdiggs6”
“Diggs earned good money in Seattle, so he might be willing to take a discount to join a contender. His prior ties to the Lions could also be beneficial, fitting seamlessly into their new culture under Dan Campbell.”
The three-time Pro Bowler started 72 games for Seattle over the past four-plus seasons, recording 95 total tackles, 5 passes defensed, and 1 interception in 2023. Over his Seattle tenure, he amassed 18 interceptions.
#### Quandre Diggs’ Unexpected Trade and Fallout
The Lions drafted Diggs in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Under head coach Jim Caldwell, Diggs became the Lions’ top nickelback by 2016. However, his relationship with the team soured under Matt Patricia’s leadership, leading to a surprise trade to Seattle in October 2019. His teammates were “shocked” by the trade, and Diggs admitted feeling “blindsided.”
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Diggs said, “I think it was more of just a control thing, them wanting to control the locker room and the voices in it. I’m a vocal guy and very competitive. I hate losing and put my body on the line every week. At the end of the day, it didn’t work out.”
“In Seattle, I’m with an organization that respects players and their personalities. I’m happy with where I’m at,” Diggs said about his time with the Seahawks. “I don’t fault the Lions, but I’m good where I’m at.”
#### Former Teammates Encourage Diggs’ Return to Detroit
After his release by the Seahawks, former Lions tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison urged Diggs on social media to return to Detroit. Harrison posted, “Nino to Detroit is the only news that we need right now….tell him to bring his old secondary buddy with him too,” to which Diggs responded, “👀 look at you bruh. i’m at home minding my business.”
Diggs also replied to a tweet from Lions safety Kerby Joseph, who hinted at a return to Detroit.
With the 2024 season approaching, all eyes are on whether Diggs will indeed make a homecoming to the Lions, adding a new chapter to his storied NFL career.
