SEATTLE -- There will be one less candidate to replace Max Unger at center for the Seattle Seahawks because Stephen Schilling is ending his career.

Schilling told the Seattle Times on Thursday that he's retiring. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, speaking at the University of Washington pro day Thursday, said they wanted to re-sign Schilling, who was a free agent.

"I had high hopes that we could," Carroll said. "But you will need to get with him about what he's doing."

Schilling, 26, spent three seasons with San Diego before signing with the Seahawks last year, getting a chance to come home and play. He's from Bellevue, Washington, but played college ball at Michigan.

Schilling started three games last season when Unger was hurt, but Schilling suffered a knee injury and spent the final eight games of the regular season on injured reserve.

With Schilling out of the picture, the Seahawks' situation at center is tentative after sending Unger to the New Orleans Saints in the trade to acquire tight end Jimmy Graham.

Patrick Lewis, who started four games last season, would be the leading candidate at the moment to take over as the starter. Lemuel Jeanpierre, who started three games at center last season, is a free agent.

The Seahawks have spoken to veteran free agent centers Stefen Wisniewski and Chris Myers, and still could sign one of them. But they also could look pick a center early in this year's NFL draft. Carroll was asked Thursday if they might start a rookie at center next season.

"We've had rookies start everywhere over the years," he said. "It just depends on the guy, what his background is and what he's done and the make-up of the kid. It's a lot to ask of a guy to be the quarterback of the front.

"It just depends on how he handles stuff. He would have to be really good and have his act together. But we also have good guys in our system. It will be an interesting competition and we'll see how it goes."