RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said it was obvious from the first day of conditioning workouts last month that Alvin Bailey means business.

"Alvin came back 30 pounds lighter," Carroll said Friday on 710 ESPN Seattle radio. "That's a big statement. Everybody appreciates that. The fact that he's worked so hard shows he realizes his opportunity here."

Bailey, who was listed at a conservative 320 pounds last year, is starting his third season out of Arkansas. He has a chance to replace James Carpenter at the starter at left guard.

The 320-mark might be Bailey's actual weight now, based on what Carroll said last December.

"He's a very smart kid, and he doesn't get out of whack by the challenges out there," Carroll said of Bailey. "But at 350 [pounds], he could be a little bit lighter."

Carroll was asked if they have spoken to Bailey about his weight.

"We've had that conversation with him on multiple levels, waist high and up," Carroll said chuckling. "But he keeps eating his way to it."

But Carroll said Bailey now has taken full advantage of the offseason conditioning program and is in the best shape of his career.