THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: What I think the Seahawks might do in the draft — unless they don't

We’re getting some clues on how the Seahawks might approach the draft.

The return of Bobby Wagner, who left unhappy but now has returned with hugs and warm wishes for everyone, suggests that — as always — Pete Carroll wants to win right now.

Immediately.

Carroll has never been a coach who longs to take a struggling team and build it slowly into a contender.

He did it when he first got to Seattle, but as soon as the Seahawks began winning, Pete aimed for the Super Bowl every year.

He hasn’t been a guy who’s willing to have a losing season just to teach a bunch of talented kids how to succeed in the NFL.

So …

You can imagine Pete’s mindset now, when he’ll be 72 years old during the next regular season.

Bringing back Wagner, who almost surely has lost a step in pass coverage, tells you several things.

For instance …

Unless Carroll and GM John Schneider truly want to use the fifth pick in the draft on a quarterback they think can be a serial winner after just one season, the message is that they trust Geno Smith to win right now.

IN OTHER words, they don’t plan to wait around for a group of kids to get comfortable in the league.

It’s no surprise that they hit the free agent market harder than ever, grabbing guys who’ve been in the wars and can play the kind of football Carroll desires.

Fans were surprised that the Seahawks released nose tackle Al Woods, because you absolutely need a giant run-stopper in the middle of a 3-4 defense.

But …

Don’t be shocked if Woods is re-signed for a salary that’s a little more team friendly now that he’s 36.

It’s instructive that the free agent haul included players at all three levels on defense.

Seattle couldn’t stop anybody last year, and Carroll can’t live with that.

There’s been all sorts of speculation about whom the Seahawks might covet with that No. 5 pick (and the 20th, for that matter).

Schneider has a long history of trading down to scoop up more picks, but if there is a win-now vibe running through the organization, the Hawks need quality rather than quantity.

There’s clearly a push to beef up the defensive front, which makes you wonder if Carroll and Schneider might take Jalen Carter if he’s sitting there at No. 5.

Several scouts and personnel people believe Carter is the best player in the draft, by miles.

If the Seahawks’ brain trust does the proper due diligence on Carter and decides he’s simply a young man who made one mistake — and he convinces them in face-to-face conversation that he can flourish in the right culture …

Why not?

That’s EXACTLY the kind of reasoning that Carroll can accept.

He’s done it in the past with Frank Clark and Jarran Reed (who’s back on the team after two years away).

YES, THE Hawks landed some interesting free agents in key positions — but this roster still has holes that have to be filled in the draft.

They need another legit running back, at least one more receiver to spread the field for Smith, and a quality guard if newcomer Evan Brown is set at center.

Florida powerhouse guard O’Cyrus Torrance is projected to land somewhere in the 15-25 territory in the first round, and he might appeal to the Seahawks at No. 20.

Over on the defensive side, it’s not like Wagner’s return solves everything.

For one thing, Bobby will likely be a first- and second-down stopper.

So, it will make quite a difference when Jordyn Brooks returns from rehabbing after surgery.

The Hawks HAVE to find an impact edge rusher who can also hold up against the run.

Likewise, they need someone on the nose — whether it’s Woods or a player in the draft.

Free agent acquisition Julian Love will help in the secondary, but Seattle needs to hit the jackpot with a new corner — just like Tariq Woolen a year ago.

Carroll isn’t building for 2026.

He needs to match last year’s terrific draft.

Oh, and Geno has to be the same QB who came from nowhere to lead the NFL in pass efficiency.

The Seahawks already have been aggressive in remaking the roster.

They aren’t likely to stop now.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday through Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”