Bryan Walters

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll opened Organized Training Activities by dropping the relative bombshell that free safety Earl Thomas was, at the moment, the leader in the clubhouse to win the job of punt returner.

And Thomas, if you also recall, was enthusiastic as could be about the possibility. So too, though, were Doug Baldwin and Richard Sherman, while Percy Harvin — already slated to be the kickoff returner and with no real history as a punt returner — also said he’d be open to the idea. Rookie Paul Richardson also figures to get a shot at it, and a wildcard entry is receiver Bryan Walters, who is far from a lock to make the roster but has always intrigued Carroll with his return ability.

As mini-camp ended, Carroll said Thomas was still the front-runner, but that, as always, the job was still in competition.