Seahawks HC Pete Carroll addresses QB, D.K. Metcalf situations

The Seahawks feel as though they have their next starting quarterback in Drew Lock, but they are one of few remaining teams expected to make another move of some kind at the position. It comes as no surprise, then, that head coach Pete Carroll says the team is “still in the quarterback business” as noted by Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

Which veteran the team would prefer to bring in isn’t a mystery, either. Carroll confirmed they are still trying to re-sign Geno Smith, who has been with Seattle for the past two seasons. The former Jet, Giant and Charger started three games in Russell Wilson‘s absence last year, throwing for 702 yards and five touchdowns, along with one interception.

“It just hasn’t happened” Carroll said of Smith. “It’s a negotiation.” It became clear even before the Wilson trade that Seattle wanted to retain the 31-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of DUI in January. As Condotta notes (on Twitter), Smith is likely trying to leverage a more lucrative deal from Seattle “knowing they plan for him to compete to start and not just be a backup.”

Meanwhile, Carroll also addressed the contract status of receiver D.K. Metcalf. “We intend for him to be with us,” he said (Twitter link). The former second-rounder’s rookie contract expires at the end of the 2022 campaign, making him eligible for an extension — which would keep Metcalf in Seattle, something he expressed a desire for towards the end of the season.

While Carroll stated that “we have not gotten to that topic yet,”  he added that “there’s no way I could imagine playing without him.” Included in some trade rumors, especially after the departures of Wilson and Bobby Wagner, Metcalf being signed long-term would provide some significant stability for an offense facing questions at the game’s most important position. In his three seasons, the Ole Miss alum has averaged 72 catches, 1,057 yards and just under 10 touchdowns per year.