Pete Carroll hopeful Seattle Seahawks, DK Metcalf can reach deal, unsure of Chris Carson's future

RENTON, Wash. — Pete Carroll said Thursday that the Seattle Seahawks are still optimistic about getting a deal done with receiver DK Metcalf and still unsure whether running back Chris Carson will return from neck surgery.

The two offensive standouts did not attend this week's minicamp for different reasons. Carson had an excused absence as he's yet to be medically cleared while Metcalf, who is in line for a massive extension, stayed away in a somewhat surprising decision. The star receiver had drawn praise from Carroll for taking part in the voluntary portion of the team's offseason workout program amid his unsettled contract situation and his recovery from foot surgery.

Speaking Thursday after the final practice of Seattle's three-day mandatory minicamp, Carroll said he was hoping Metcalf would be there and called it unfortunate that he wasn't.

«A decision that he had to make,» Carroll said. «We missed him. He had done a nice job of contributing, being a part of everything we had done and then he just is now here. So I can't say much about for what he hasn't done here, but we'd love to have him with us.»

The Seahawks deemed Metcalf's absence from minicamp unexcused, which means he's subject to fines of more than $93,000 for missing all three days. Carroll was asked if the team plans to impose those fines but declined to answer, citing his policy on not publicly discussing such matters.

Metcalf, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after recording a combined 216 catches for 3,170 yards and 29 touchdowns over his first three seasons. He has not missed a game since the Seahawks drafted him with the final pick of the second round in 2019. His performance, plus the skyrocketing market for wide receivers,