D’Anthony Bell, who took over for Okada last weekend, would likely be the next man up if Okada can’t go, but if Diggs, who in Tennessee played in a similar scheme to Seattle, is needed in some capacity as soon as this weekend, he says he’ll be ready.
“If that’s what’s called for, you know me, I’ll be ready to go,” Diggs said. “… Mike and (Titans defensive coordinator) Dennard (Wilson) worked together, so it’s very similar. So for me it’s just communicating, doing the things I do well, and just being ready to go if they need me.”
When the Titans released Diggs earlier this month, which Titans interim coach Mike McCoy described as the two sides “mutually parting ways,” Diggs had other teams reach out, he said, but he wanted to wait for the right situation. That came up this week when the Seahawks called.
“If I had the opportunity to come back, it was a no-brainer for me,” Diggs said. “Just being around my guys, people that I talk to all the time, people I’m always around. Being back home has been dope.
“I actually grew up here. I learned how to be a man, and play great football. So this has always been a place that I’ve been fond of.”
While it remains to be seen how much or how soon Diggs and Bryant play together in the secondary, the chance to be teammates is meaningful for both of them. Like Bryant, who has emerged as a standout in Macdonald’s defense, Diggs began his career playing cornerback and had to move around before finding a home at safety. The two formed a close bond when they were teammates during Bryant’s first two seasons in the league, and have stayed in close contact ever since.
“Me and Coby talk literally three or four times a week, regardless of whether I was here or not,” Diggs said. “But seeing him, watching film and going over plays together over the phone, it’s been amazing. I’ve always been his biggest fan. Even before I left, I was his biggest fan. I wanted him to be great. It’s always that way, it’s respect. It’s really like real-life brother. He’s really like my little brother. I love watching him, and I’m excited to see him rock in person.”
Asked about playing with Diggs again, Bryant said, “It means a lot. Honestly we talk every day. He’s like a big brother. I’m excited to have him around, just another vet that I can have in my ear to help.
“He’s helped me a lot. With him going through a similar position change, and us having conversations over the years. There were times I was frustrated when I wasn’t playing, just not being out there, but him staying in my ear, being positive, he’s definitely had a major impact on my career.”
