Pete Carroll Is Happy With Seahawks’ Changes, Calls Russell Wilson Joining Yankees ‘Awesome’

Pete Caroll said he believes the big changes the Seattle Seahawks have undertaken this offseason are an effective way to re-establish the competitive culture the head coach likes.

Seahawks offseason roster changes news

The Seahawks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012 last year. Carroll and general manager John Schneider decided to part ways with embattled offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, defensive coordinator Kris Richard and highly-regarded offensive line coach Tom Cable. 

“I felt it was time,” Carroll said Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I wanted to challenge the opportunity to get better. It comes back to competing and trying to get better.”

Carroll quickly added that he did not blame the leaving coaches for the team’s fall-of in 2017. He also said he refuses to keep the same approach to football each year, and believes it is always necessary to adapt to the circumstances.

Tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson are potential free agents. Former Pro Bowlers safety Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril are still trying to assess whether they can play again following severe neck injuries last season. Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman is also recovering from serious injuries.

Carroll said Sherman recently underwent a second, more minor cleanup procedure on his other Achilles tendon. The coach refused to reveal whether the team has discussed trading the All-Pro defenseman.

Carroll simply said regarding Sherman, “it’s the time of year where there are conversations in all directions.”

Seattle is also closely monitoring running back Chris Carson, a rookie who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in an impressive season.

Left tackle George Fant is also still recovering from ACL surgery.

The Seahawks also have to address their salary cap situation. Defensive lineman Michael Bennett — who is now 32 — is due to count $6.65 million against the salary cap.

Caroll also deflected a question on Thursday regarding whether he would support Russell Wilson getting at-bats in a spring training game. However, the coach said it is “awesome” that his quarterback is practicing with the New York Yankees in Florida.

Wilson performed well in his first MLB at-bat this week, hitting six homers. He called the opportunity to play baseball a dream come true.

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks does warmup passes before an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at CenturyLink Field on September 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)