Report: Seahawks “Leaning Against” Picking Up 5th-Year Option on G James Carpenter

 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source, reports that the Seattle Seahawks are “leaning against” picking up the fifth-year option on G James Carpenter, which would make him a free agent after the 2014 season.

• Florio adds that if Seattle were to pick up the option on Carpenter, it would cost them north of $7 million for the 2015 season alone.

Carpenter, 25, was a surprise first-round pick in 2011 out of Alabama.  He battled injuries throughout his first two seasons in the league, before starting 12 games last season.

Pro Football Focus graded Carpenter as the No. 65 guard out of 81 eligible players at the position.

Accordingly, it may be prudent for Seattle to elect not to pick up the option, and attempt to sign Carpenter long-term after next season to a more team-friendly deal.