According to the reports, Kam wants 2016 and 2017 money, guaranteed, and up front. This essentially means one of the following:
1. Kam has serious cash flow issues. (not likely)
2. Kam is concerned healthwise and wanting to be paid for his dominance now, rather than risk being let go, when he can't play at the level SEA has come to expect. (This is part of NFL life, sorry)
3. Kam is avoiding the bumps and bruises, wear and tear of training camp, and knows the Hawks won't fine him, and the Hawks know this too and are letting it play out. (this is more of my gut feeling, and may be far from the truth)
In any case, Kam has zero leverage. He's already locked up for the next 3 years. He either plays and gets paid, or he doesn't and gets zilch. Kam won't win this one. But maybe he knows this already and is getting rested up. I'm perfectly fine with this BTW... as SEA needs him to be as healthy as possible.
Oh and although "next man up" is a bit hasty here, as replacing Kam is not possible with the current roster, I believe the competition and reps are going to benefit SEA greatly. With Earl and Simon out too, the competition is fierce and the reps are a plenty for everyone else.
It's gonna be OK y'all.
Go Hawks.