Carroll, Schneider still unsigned beyond 2016

Should Seahawk fans be concerned about the lame-duck contract status of head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider?

They both arrived in 2010, and in an unusual twist it was the head coach taking the reigns before the general manager. That arrangement was questioned at the time, but since the day Pete Carroll decided John Schneider was the perfect guy to help him right the Seahawks ship, the duo has transformed an organization and set themselves up for free beers for life in the Emerald City.

From the worst roster in the league to the best, according to rankings published yesterday by NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks.

But with the 2016 season rapidly approaching, both men are working on the last year’s of their contracts. Should Seahawk Nation be concerned?

Legitimate questions follow Carroll and Schneider into the negotiating room; Carroll, at 64, is now the league’s oldest head coach. Despite his otherworldly youthful exuberance, how long does he want to continue doing this?

More from 12th Man Rising

• 4 prospects Seahawks could reach for at No. 20 in 2023 NFL Draft
• Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft: Post-first wave of free agency 
• Seahawks podcast: A review of the first week of free agency
• 4 experiments the Seattle Seahawks could cut short in 2023
• 3 pros and cons of Seattle Seahawks drafting Anthony Richardson

As for Schneider, it’s been widely reported that he has en escape clause in his deal that would allow him to leave for the Green Bay job should Ted Thompson call it quits. Is the pull of going back home the proverbial elephant in the room?

Based on recent comments, however, it doesn’t seem that there’s much cause for concern.

Amid reports that Carroll has been quietly negotiating an extension with Seattle, he responded to questions about his contract status last month with a curt yet cryptic “I’m good.”

Schneider was more effusive on the matter, saying “Pete and I have a great relationship and we are just in a really good spot. We are just going to keep staying together and keep doing what we are doing and see how long we can make it last.’’

To “keep staying together” would require new contracts. It seems clear both want to stay, and why wouldn’t they? The Hawks seem refreshed and reloaded this year, ready to extend their Super Bowl contention window. Who would want to walk away from a young roster full of stars in their prime?

And obviously, owner Paul Allen wants to keep both Carroll and Schneider around.

So what’s the hold up?

Could it be that the two are asking for ridiculous amounts of money or unreasonable new terms? Doubtful. Allen will be fair, and generous.

Maybe length of time is a hang-up, given Carroll’s age.

Or maybe there isn’t any cause for concern at all, that both deals are being negotiated as we speak or possible even agreed to in principle and not announced.

Next: The 5 worst Seahawk players of all time

Reading the tea leaves, it’s safe to expect the Seahawk brain trust to be locked into new long term deals before the season starts. And if the past, and Schneider’s comments, are any indication they will likely be for the same period of time.

No need to panic just yet.