While available to field calls on cornerback Richard Sherman, the Seattle Seahawks also have initiated trade talks during the process, according to an NFL source.
Multiple people in the league have concluded that landing Sherman, 29, who has two years left on his contract at more than $22 million in total, would probably require a high draft pick.
The Seahawks have $45.2 million in salary-cap money committed to their secondary this season, the most in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Talks have ranged from fact-finding to more serious discussions, but the Seahawks are engaged in talks over the Pro Bowl cornerback.
General manager John Schneider confirmed Wednesday in an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle that the Seahawks have discussed trading Sherman.
After Schneider's interview Wednesday, Sherman told MMQB.com: "Very little chance it happens, but both sides are listening. I honestly don't have much more to say about it than what I've already said. We have a great relationship. ... There is a lot of love and respect. There is no bad blood."
Asked whether the Seahawks are sending him a message by publicly discussing the possibility of a trade, Sherman told MMQB.com: "Not at all. I'm not in the least bit concerned about that."
Sherman had two sideline outbursts last season that were directed at coaches. The first involved defensive coordinator Kris Richard after the defense gave up a big play in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.
In Week 15, when the Seahawks attempted a pass play from the Los Angeles Rams' 1-yard line, Sherman went off on Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Afterward, Sherman did not back down, referencing the team's Super Bowl XLIX loss in which Russell Wilson was intercepted in a similar situation.
ESPN's Sheil Kapadia contributed to this report.