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Pete Carroll Reveals Big-Name QB He Was Considering Before Geno Smith Trade
Candice Ward-Imagn Images

When the Las Vegas Raiders hired Pete Carroll as head coach, one of his first big jobs was helping the team identify an upgrade at quarterback. The team eventually was able to trade for Geno Smith, but he wasn't the only quarterback Carroll was considering.

In fact, the coach admitted that he was considering reuniting with another former Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson. 

"With Russ coming up in free agency, we needed a quarterback. So there was conversation in that short amount of time, before we got Geno [Smith] that, who knows? There could be a shot," Carroll said on the "Da Get Got" podcast.

The two had a bit of a strained relationship after Wilson was traded to the Broncos, but according to Carroll, the two are on good terms.

"We’re doing fine," Carroll said when asked about his relationship with Wilson. "I stay in contact with the guys as best I can. Russ was one to call you, and so I’ve heard a lot from him, and I’ve stayed in contact with him throughout, with the same thought of just trying to help him … Geno and I were talking during this last year, too. Just trying to help and be there for them and continue to support them. Because nobody knows those guys as well as I do."

Wilson was a free agent and cheaper than Smith, so he would've been an easier acquisition. Clearly, Carroll thinks Smith is a better quarterback right now. The likelihood of the Raiders drafting a quarterback early would've been much higher.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
NFL

Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw

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All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
MLB

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe

With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement
NHL

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement

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Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension
NFL

Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension

There is not a bigger sporting event in North America than the Super Bowl, and tickets are only getting more expensive every year. There is also a ridiculous secondary market for tickets where seats sell for well above the original face value. It is usually fans or ticket resellers going for a quick profit. But as was reported on Friday, sometimes it can be players in the NFL looking to make a profit. According to multiple reports, including the Associated Press and ESPN, more than 100 players are facing fines and potential suspensions for selling their allotment of tickets to this year's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for above face value. Players are reportedly facing fines of one-and-a-half times the face value they originally paid for the tickets, while they are also prevented from purchasing tickets to the Super Bowl for the next seasons. The Associated Press obtained a memo from the NFL detailing the violation and investigation. That memo was as follows: “Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the Policy. This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less. We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.” If players are not willing to pay the fine, they could be facing suspension from the league. It seems unlikely that any of the players — none of whom have been named, or their teams — would refuse to pay such a fine. It's also one of those moments where you can say, professional athletes — they're still normal people trying to make a quick buck. The most logical answer here is perhaps some of the players caught up in this are younger players who have not yet struck it rich on a big contract or perhaps even practice squad players who are not making top dollar.

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