NFL Trade Rumors: Pete Carroll is interested in Sam Darnold

Even though there’s nothing imminent, it seems like the trade rumors surrounding Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks are growing back the day. At the end of the day, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing to happen in the NFL.

We’ve seen plenty of quarterback-needy teams inquiring on the possibility of an upgrade at this position with so many signal-callers available as of late. And while Wilson hasn’t formally requested a trade, he admitted to being frustrated with the team’s inability to protect him and lack of involvement on the offense.

That means that pretty much every single team in need of a quarterback and in possessionof a high draft pick could make a run at Wilson, as the Seahawks didn’t care for his comments and have reportedly fielded calls about him.

NFL Rumors: Pete Carroll Wants To Coach Sam Darnold

And, according to Pat Leonard of New York Daily News Sports, Pete Carroll holds a high opinion in Sam Darnold and could be interested in coaching him in the case they have to part ways with Russ:

“Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has a high opinion of Sam Darnold and could end up trading for the Jets quarterback if Seattle deals Russell Wilson, a league source told the Daily News on Monday. ‘Keep an eye on Seattle for Darnold,’ the source said. The prerequisite would be a Wilson trade out of town. But here’s the thing: pursuit of Wilson is heating up,” his report said.

via Pat Leonard

“The Jets, who hold the No. 2 overall pick, have been fielding calls on Darnold, 23. The Denver Broncos, Washington Football Team and San Francisco 49ers are believed to be among the interested teams,” he added.

Pete Carroll Praised Sam Darnold Last Season

More than that, Pete Carroll and Sam Darnold share a connection. Carroll coached at USC, Darnold’s Alma Mater, and he didn’t hesitate to shower him in praise before their matchup last season:

“I think he’s really talented without question. He’s got great throws in him. He’s a real quarterback. He sees things. He makes big plays and big throws in difficult situations because of his talent. It’s just a matter of time. Sam’s going to be a really big-time QB. He’s thrown a lot of balls in three years. He’s had a lot of experience. It will pay off in the long run,” Carroll said.

Obviously, it will all depend on the fit, what the front office thinks it’s best for the team, and whether Wilson actually wants to be traded or not, but this is definitely a story that’s worth following closely.