NFL: Seahawks sign Pete Carroll to contract extension

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is sticking around through the 2021 season after signing a three-year contract extension.

Carroll was first approached about an extension last week and finished the deal Monday. The contract will take Carroll through his 70th birthday in September 2021.

Carroll is in his ninth season as Seattle’s coach and clinched his seventh playoff berth with Sunday’s victory over Kansas City. He is 97-59-1 overall in his tenure and led Seattle to a pair of Super Bowl appearances, winning the franchise’s only championship after the 2013 season.

There was some question about the direction of the franchise following the death of owner Paul Allen in October, but Carroll says he “in great shape,” and is appreciative of how he’s been treated by the organization since his arrival.

Eagles go with Foles

Nick Foles will get another shot to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs.

Coming off a 471-yard performance in a 32-30 comeback victory over Houston, Foles will start when the Eagles (8-7) visit Washington in a must-win game Sunday.

Coach Doug Pederson announced Monday that Foles will remain under center, though it’s no surprise because Carson Wentz hasn’t been cleared to return from a back injury that has forced him to miss the last two games.

“As he goes through this natural healing process and the rest and everything, our medical team will continue to evaluate him and we’ll see where he’s at,” Pederson said of Wentz. “Right now, Nick is the guy, and we’re going to finish at least this last game with Nick, and then we’ll evaluate next week again.”

The defending Super Bowl champions will earn the NFC’s second wild-card spot if they beat the Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings (8-6-1) lose at home to the Chicago Bears (11-4).

Wentz will stay on the active roster, so there’s a chance he could return if the Eagles stay alive. It would be tough to bench Foles, however, if he continues to play at a high level.

“Those are obviously conversations we have to have,” Pederson said. “Those are tough decisions to make. I’ve said all along that Carson is our guy and if he’s cleared and 100% and ready to go, then we’ll address that at that time.”

Swearinger cut

Safety D.J. Swearinger told a radio station in Washington on Monday that he has been released by the Redskins with one game remaining in the regular season.

Swearinger said Redskins coach Jay Gruden did not give him an explanation for the move.

“I don’t regret nothing, because I know I gave 100% effort from my heart,” Swearinger said.

Swearinger has been critical of the team, including the lack of aggressive play-calling. He had a team-leading four interceptions this season.

The Redskins (7-8) have not yet made an official roster move.