No matter if there's any truth to him being a bit more motivated in a contract year, I applaud his efforts to come to camp in shape to comPETE rather than the other way around. There's always factors in life like this. Perhaps some of the injuries he sustained were due to being out of shape in the first place. But, can't do anything about all that now. No matter how true it is that some NFL players "seem" to get it together in contract years... it's great to see a guy like James with all the potential he has give himself a chance to see exactly how much better he can get. If Carp has an excellent injury-free season... perhaps there's conditioning clauses in any future contract with the Hawks.
Even before last season... his fellow O-lineman held Carp in high regard. The (current) lineman I spoke with personally couldn't speak highly enough about James Carpenter. I wonder how much more impressed his teammates are now. Can't wait to see what all this looks like in game action.
Just another place to keep our eyes on where the Seahawks improve. I wasn't all that excited about the draft choice of Justin Britt, but man... they seem to have found the right guy there. If James is a beast this year at LG, and P-Rich is truly looking like a clone of Percy Harvin as was posted today as a comment out of camp (on facebook), add Anthony McCoy's production, Christine Michael has grown into an NFL back as being reported, etc., etc. ... lookout.
So, I'm not at all upset about Carpenter being motivated and in shape. But, in general, I think we all know what the OP is talking about when players "suddenly" are able to go because there's money to be had. Credit everyone around James that he's fought through adversity and has the opportunity he does now.
:snack: