Seahawks coach Pete Carroll just wrapped up an interview with Dave “Softy” Mahler, and provided quite a few interesting updates on injuries, free agency and more. You can listen to the full interview here, and here are a few highlights:
—On just acquired TE Jimmy Graham, Carroll said he wasn’t worried about Graham’s toughness, and also added that he’ll do a bit more traditional tight end stuff (blocking) than he did in New Orleans, but that they’ll still move him around.
—Carroll confirmed that former Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski visited this week, and that there is mutual interest, but said it will be a little while before Wisniewski makes a decision.
—On backup QB Tarvaris Jackson, who is a free agent, Carroll said the two sides are in talks and that they hope to Jackson back.
—With Brian Walters signing with Jacksonville Friday, and with Paul Richardson very likely not ready for the start of the season because of a knee injury, both of Seattle’s return positions are wide open right now. One name Carroll mentioned as a possibility is quarterback B.J. Daniels, who spent most of last season on the practice squad before being added to the active roster late in the year. Daniels has done work at receiver, among other positions, and Carroll said they could look at him there next season.
—On recently signed cornerback Cary Williams, Carroll said they were excited about his size and aggressiveness, and said he’ll only get better working with Kris Richard, Seattle’s new defensive coordinator who was previously the defensive backs coach. Asked if Williams will start, Carroll said, “he’s going to get a great chance to,” but of course he also said Williams will have to compete to earn it.
—Carroll was asked about Russell Wilson’s possible contract extension, and as you might expect, said he wasn’t going to negotiate on a radio show.
—Carroll provided a few injury updates, including that Earl Thomas, who had offseason shoulder surgery, will “absolutely” be ready for the start of the season. Tharold Simon, who also had shoulder surgery, will only be sidelined a couple months, so he should be ready for the start of camp, while Jeremy Lane is in danger of not being ready for the start of the season following knee and arm injuries in the Super Bowl.
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