Packers: Seahawks block move for GM John Schneider, but can they?
The Seahawks have reportedly denied the Green Bay Packers permission to speak to general manager John Schneider, but can they do that?
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers requested permission to interview Schneider, but Seattle blocked the move.
It’s no surprise the Seahawks don’t want to lose their general manager. He helped them win a Super Bowl, after all. Schneider might not even have interest in moving back to Green Bay.
But that’s not the key issue here. Can the Seahawks actually block a move? Let’s analyze that for a moment.
First, here’s what we know from Rapoport:
The #Packers are swinging big on their GM search. Green Bay submitted paperwork for permission to interview #Seahawks Super Bowl-winning GM John Schneider, I’m told. The request for the Green Bay native was denied.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2018
At first that seems fair enough.
But Dan Hatman, Director of Scouting Development at The Scouting Academy, made an interesting point on Twitter.
Like I discussed last night regarding George Paton and GB, teams can block GM candidates if it is a lateral move or delay until after the season or playoffs.
— Dan Hatman (@Dan_Hatman) January 6, 2018
Seattle would have had to give Schneider final 53 control, which I believe was Carroll's in order to block this https://t.co/7yUIrSSTLc
Minnesota delayed Green Bay's request to interview Paton, but cannot fully block it as it would be a promotion.
— Dan Hatman (@Dan_Hatman) January 6, 2018
Not surprised they are interested in Schneider, I am confused on how Seattle can block it based on my understanding of the rules and Seattles structure
Hatman believes that as control of the 53-man roster belongs to Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and not John Schneider, should the Packers actually be given permission to speak to him?
Hatman’s thoughts were echoed by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, who reported that Schneider is the team’s “preferred choice”:
"The Packers also could argue that they should be allowed to interview Schneider because the job could be viewed as a promotion, since Schneider and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll share responsibilities in player acquisition. In Green Bay, the general manager has full authority over all football decisions, including the draft, free agency and hiring and firing of the coach."
Now that of course assumes the new general manager will have full control of the 53 in Green Bay. But based on president Mark Murphy’s comments at his press conference this week, that will be the case, just as it was for Ted Thompson.
In all likelihood, however, the Packers won’t push the Seahawks, or the league, on this.
#Packers could push issue that Schneider is not a “high-level” employee based on Pete Carroll having considerable authority. They would have to certify a dispute with Goodell, who would then rule on Schneider’s position. Seems unlikely Murphy would ruffle those kind of feathers. https://t.co/4Clr8fL4jY
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 6, 2018
Instead, the only way of landing Schneider would be via a trade. And it’s hard to predict what would tempt Seattle to part ways with its general manager.
For that reason, it can be considered unlikely Schneider returns to Green Bay, and Mark Murphy will have to look elsewhere.
That, too, presents a number of interesting scenarios. Would he be willing to promote Brian Gutekunst or Eliot Wolf? Is Russ Ball the best candidate to replace Thompson? To say which of the three would be the best hire is difficult with no prior GM experience to go on.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Murphy had interest in bringing back a proven candidate in Schneider, but for now the door is shut.