Seahawks Eyeing QB in Draft? 'A Rare Opportunity,' Says Pete Carroll

Coach Pete Carroll made it clear that nothing is off the table for the Seattle Seahawks in this year's draft.

The Seattle Seahawks don't appear to be going the route expected of them in the 2023 NFL Draft.

With two first-round selections, which is highlighted by the power that comes with holding the No. 5 overall pick, all possibilities are open for the Seahawks.

And yes, this includes drafting a quarterback. When meeting with the media at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll didn't hesitate to admit that the team is "working hard" to keep Geno Smith in Seattle for a move that "we've gotta get done."

But despite this, Carroll has made it clear that all possibilities are on the table for the Seahawks in the draft, regardless of what happens with Smith. The 32-year-old isn't exactly getting younger, and the Seahawks don't want to fumble what Carroll calls "a rare opportunity" at the quarterback position in the draft.

"The position we're in, we are totally connected to the quarterbacks that are coming out," Carroll said. "This is a really huge opportunity for us. It's a rare opportunity."

It may end up being a best-player-available approach for the Seahawks. If a can't-miss quarterback prospect like Ohio State's CJ Stroud falls to them, this could present the "rare" chance that Carroll is eluding to.

"We've been drafting in the low 20s for such a long time, you just don't get the chance (at) these guys," Carroll said. "So we're deeply involved with them."

While the team seems to want Smith to be the starter for at least another year - potentially playing on the franchise tag - Carroll, general manager John Schneider and the rest of the front office are still going to do what's best for the Seahawks. And with the team continuing to expect playoff appearances, top-five picks won't be growing on trees due to massive trade hauls that ended up being egregiously favorable.

This all makes for what should be a highly-interesting draft for the Seahawks, one that the team was once thought to approach with defense in mind. But it's now clear that nothing is out of the question.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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