While the starting cornerback job alongside Richard Sherman is getting the most attention, the Seattle Seahawks still have another starting job up for grabs: strong-side (or SAM) linebacker, a spot vacated by free agent Michael Morgan.

The Seahawks signed two experienced linebackers this offseason, Michael Wilhoite and Terence Garvin, in the hopes that one of them can take over the job heading into 2017.

Coach Pete Carroll said the linebacker spot is the most competitive it has been.

“ Garvin has looked really good at the SAM position,” Carroll told reporters during minicamp. “He was a DB coming out of college, so he’s got good coverage skills that we’re looking for in that position, as well as enough size and strength to play on the edge. He’s battling it out with Mike Wilhoite right now there, that’s a really good competitive spot.”

Garvin, who has played 59 games in his four-year career with the Redskins and Steelers, has been impressive in team workouts thus far. His flexibility could land him in a bigger role on the squad.

“Terence has been doing a really good job out there for us at SAM linebacker,” defensive coordinator Kris Richard commented during his camp press conference. “He’s also taken some reps at nickel Will, so he’s showing a versatility that we’re going to need. We’re going to need that versatility from him.”

Wilhoite, the sixth-year man out of Washburn University, has been nursing an injury and has not yet had a chance to participate. But that has not stopped his coaches from heaping praise on the 30-year-old, who has 201 career tackles.

“Mike Wilhoite hasn’t had the opportunity to compete with us out here on the field, but I’ll say that he’s a true professional,” Richard said. “He always asks the right questions, he’s always involved. I think he’s got a really great understanding for the game.”

SAM linebacker is seldom used in the Seahawks defensive schemes since Seattle relies heavily on its nickel package. Regardless, having veterans like Wilhoite and Garvin will help boost the Seahawks’ vaunted defense heading into 2017.

“We’re throwing a bunch of stuff at these guys, they’ve been in different systems before,” said Richard. “But the progress has been really positive and we’re excited for where it’s going to go.”