FIRED: Formel Steelers LB is fired up to……

FIRED: Formel Steelers LB is fired up to….

Pete Carroll’s comments on KJR yesterday were insightful, encouraging, and well worth listening to.

Here’s a quick rundown:

— Carroll described offensive tackle as a “real concern.” His statements had a sense of urgency to me, as if he understood they needed to get something sorted out immediately. That’s understandable given that both positions are open. My interpretation is that they will make some moves before the draft. I believe he intends to correct this through signings. This could refer to Duane Brown, Eric Fisher, or Daryl Williams.

— When asked what else they needed to improve on, he stated it was crucial to continue working on the pass rush (“and the coverage part of it”). He then mentioned the new staff members. Remember, Jake Heaps of 710 Seattle Sports stated that Sean Desai was persuaded to come to Seattle in part because they would strengthen their personnel. They haven’t thus far. Carroll specifically mentioned Uchenna Nwosu as someone who may work in the rotation. That was telling because Nwosu’s function was defined in a rather modest manner. He concluded his response on upgrades by expressing unequivocally that he wants “the whole thing” (pass rush) upscaled and updated, and that it would be a “point of focus.”

— Carroll discussed having a lot of picks in 2023 and how that would affect what they do this year. That implied to me that they are aware that this is not a strong quarterback class. They know that next year will be much better. They have the ammunition to be proactive in a year’s time and not feel compelled to force things this year.

— This entire interview was quite reassuring to me. When discussing pressing requirements, there is a sense of urgency to add at tackle and improve the pass rush, with little mention of adding more at quarterback. This interview was music to my ears as someone who hopes the Seahawks use their draft resources in the defensive front seven. It led me to believe that they will sign offensive tackles and prioritize the pass rush with their top picks.

As I’ve said before, my ‘Plan A’ at #9 would be one of Jermaine Johnson or Kayvon Thibodeaux. Devonte Wyatt or Derek Stingley Jr. would be ‘Plan B’ if they were unavailable. I’m not opposed to Jordan Davis either. I’d select a linebacker at #40, ideally one of Channing Tindall, Leo Chenal, Quay Walker, or Damone Clark.

I’d like to be able to keep your options open at #41. A trade down in that area feels beneficial. If you weren’t able to land Johnson or Thibodeaux, you might need to look for an edge rusher. However, you have so much value and depth in that range that it would be a fantastic opportunity to simply grab the best player available. This year, every extra second is a luxury.

If the Seahawks can leave this draft knowing they have a strong defensive foundation for the future, it will be a great start to the reconstruction. It would allow Carroll to play the style of football he prefers. They may enter the 2023 draft enthusiastic and certain that a future quarterback will be readily accessible.

I thought this was a very inspiring interview.

The Seahawks are adamant on keeping D.K. Metcalf.

There was no room for doubt. Carroll made it plain that the team is committed to keeping Metcalf and hopes to sign him to a new contract this year.

With Tyreek Hill resetting the pay market today, there’s no reason for talks to stall in the coming weeks.

Nobody else is likely to re-set the market right now. So Metcalf and the Seahawks must figure out where he fits in a compensation structure that has seen the two top players at the position receive significant raises.

I doubt Carroll would have said what he did yesterday if he wasn’t willing to pay Metcalf what the top receivers are getting. So it’s time to find some common ground. I believe they will. This should be quite simple, assuming Metcalf is equally eager to close the sale.

It’s possible that Kansas City and Green Bay will make a play for him, which could change his mind. They have enough stock to make a compelling offer to the Seahawks.

However, he would almost certainly need to press for a trade. I get the impression he enjoys living in Seattle and may be eager to make his fortune with the team that drafted him.

However, I believe it is a situation that Seattle must resolve before the draft. They need to add two offensive tackles before focusing on Metcalf.

Either finish that extension or look at trade options.

Given the Hill and Davante Adams transactions, if you trade him, you’re looking at a first and second round selection. When you have money to burn, I’m not convinced you want to trade away a really skilled athlete at a young age. This will be determined by the player and the outcome of the negotiations.