NFL Exec Doesn't See Russell Wilson Going to Steelers; Seahawks QB 'Values Celebrity'
Dec 27, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 26: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws the ball during warm-ups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lumen Field on December 26, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
If the Seattle Seahawks decide to move on from Russell Wilson this offseason, at least one NFL executive doesn't see the Pittsburgh Steelers landing the eight-time Pro Bowler in a trade.
Speaking to The Athletic's Mike Sando, a league executive explained that it's hard to see Wilson "wanting to go" to Pittsburgh because he seems to value the celebrity aspect that goes with being a high-profile quarterback.
Even though there are still two weeks remaining in the regular season, Sunday may have been the final nail in the coffin for the Wilson-Seahawks partnership.
Seattle's 25-24 home loss to the Chicago Bears dropped the team to 5-10 overall and officially eliminated it from playoff contention.
This is the first season in Wilson's 10-year career that the Seahawks will finish with a losing record and just the second time they will miss the playoffs (2017).
There was speculation last offseason that Wilson wanted out of Seattle, but he didn't go so far as to make a formal trade request.
Wilson's agent, Mark Rodgers, told ESPN's Adam Schefter in February that his client—who has a no-trade clause—wanted to remain in Seattle, but he would consider the Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders if a trade were to happen.
"I did not request a trade,” Wilson told reporters in June. "Obviously, I love Seattle. ... I've always wanted to play here for my whole career."
Wilson still has two years remaining on his contract, with cap hits of $37 million in 2022 and $40 million in 2023, per Spotrac.
Based on current cap projections for next season, the Steelers will have $43.9 million in space available.
Just using the list of Wilson's four preferred teams, the Cowboys would seem to be the only one that is set at quarterback with Dak Prescott.
Justin Fields has shown promise over the course of his rookie season for the Bears, but he still has a lot of growth and development to do. Derek Carr remains solid for the Raiders, though there have been peaks and valleys to his game throughout his career.
The Saints are the one team in the group of four that needs to be all-in on finding a quarterback for 2022. Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill have had their moments, but neither has proven to be a franchise quarterback.
Wilson is having a down year by his lofty standards. The 33-year-old is on pace to have the worst QBR of his career (47.7), but he's still been much better than Ben Roethlisberger.
He has played better in recent weeks after returning in Week 10 from finger surgery in October. He's thrown for 828 yards, six touchdowns and completed 65 percent of his passes in the past four weeks.
Pittsburgh has managed to remain in playoff contention all season despite the 39-year-old Roethlisberger's shortcomings at this late stage of his career. The offense ranks 21st in passing DVOA and 22nd in points per game (20.1), per Football Outsiders.
Roethlisberger's 38.6 QBR ranks 24th out of 31 qualified quarterbacks.
If the Steelers could find a way to acquire Wilson, it's not hard to envision a scenario in which he plays so well that they win the AFC North in 2022.
MMQB: Insiders Don't Think Seahawks' Carroll 'Ready to Walk Away on His Own Accord'
Dec 27, 2021
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
If Pete Carroll's 12-year tenure in Seattle ends after this season, it reportedly won't be via retirement.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported Monday that Carroll is not "ready to walk away on his own accord."
Carroll, who turned 70 in September, is in the midst of his worst coaching season since 1994 with the New York Jets. The Seahawks dropped to 5-10 on the season with Sunday's 25-24 home loss to the Chicago Bears.
"That was about as disappointing of a loss as we've had," Carroll told reporters after the game. "We were in control in so many ways in that game to go win it and put it away; we just never did and let them stay alive, and they found a way to make their plays. We had to do some stuff to give them that opportunity, and they took advantage of it, and give them credit. They've been struggling all year too, and it's a big win for those guys.
"I feel like I have to do more. In a time like this, I feel like I've got to find ways to help our guys more so that we don't get in a situation where we even give them a chance."
Their disappointing play comes after an offseason of rumors swirling around quarterback Russell Wilson, who has clashed with Carroll on offensive schemes. Wilson is in the midst of one of his worst NFL seasons, having missed three games because of a finger injury and playing well below his expected production when he's been on the field.
Carroll has the final say on all personnel matters in Seattle, so the buck ultimately stops with him for the roster. With the Seahawks set to not have a first-round pick for the second straight year because of the team's trade for safety Jamal Adams, Carroll's seat could be warming—especially if Wilson starts clamoring for a move.
Russell Wilson Rumors: 'Little to No Chance of' Contract Extension; Trade 'Very Real'
Dec 26, 2021
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) walks off the field after a loss to the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
As the Seattle Seahawks play out the string on a disappointing 2021 season, the trade rumors surrounding Russell Wilson are once again swirling.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported there is "little to no chance" the Seahawks sign Wilson to a contract extension, and the two sides are likely headed toward another "contentious offseason."
Wilson was the subject of trade talks last offseason amid a disagreement with coach Pete Carroll on offensive scheming and the team's struggles on the offensive line. Agent Mark Rodgers told Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson of ESPN in February that Wilson would waive his no-trade clause for deals to the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders or Chicago Bears.
Reporter Jordan Schultz updated the list of potential suitors earlier this month, which still includes the Saints but now features the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.
The Seahawks enter Week 16 at 5-9, clinching their first losing season since 2011. This will be only the second time in Wilson's career he's missed the playoffs.
Wilson, who missed three games with a finger injury earlier this season, has not played up to his regular standards. He's thrown for 2,458 yards and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions, and he's been held under 200 yards passing on four occasions.
Even as Wilson's passing numbers dip and he runs less often at age 33, there will be no shortage of suitors willing to give up multiple first-round picks for the future Hall of Famer. Denver has an elite defense and a bevy of high-level skill-position players but has failed to find a franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning's retirement after the 2015 season.
Seahawks' Tyler Lockett Activated off COVID-19 List Ahead of Week 16 vs. Bears
Dec 24, 2021
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs a pass route during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
The Seattle Seahawks activated wide receiver Tyler Lockett off the reserve/COVID-19 list in advance of the team's Week 16 matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Lockett landed on the list Dec. 16, which forced him to miss Seattle's 20-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old went on the list with running back Alex Collins, who returned to action Wednesday.
As of Thursday, the Seahawks still have six players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, per Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle: tight end Will Dissly, running back Travis Homer, defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr., defensive tackle Bryan Mone, cornerback D.J. Reed and right tackle Brandon Shell.
Lockett has 62 catches for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns this season. He co-leads Seattle in receptions and stands alone as the Seahawks' scrimmage yards leader.
The former Kansas State star returns with the 5-9 Seahawks on the outside looking into the NFC playoff picture.
Seattle is still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but the 'Hawks need to win out and get a lot of help with five teams in the conference standings between themselves and the seventh-place 7-7 Minnesota Vikings, who occupy the final NFC spot at the moment.
Having Lockett back certainly helps, and he'll look to lead Seattle to victory when it takes on Chicago on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET at Lumen Field.
Adrian Peterson Rips NFL Refs in IG Post, Says Seahawks Got 'Robbed' in Loss to Rams
Dec 22, 2021
Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson called out the officials after his team's 20-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in an Instagram post Wednesday:
Can we please come together and figure out a better solution that'll hold [NFL officials] more accountable? These blatantly missed and unwarranted calls literally change the outcome of games. It's heartbreaking when my sons, who flat out love the game of football, look at me teary eyed asking... 'Dad why are they not making the right calls?! Do they just want the Rams to win?'
Peterson further discussed the issue in the caption:
I don’t make excuses and I also feel any situation can be overcome, but, opportunities are all you need to create change. We got robbed of that last night on two critical plays which resulted in a 7 point swing and took away great field position that would’ve given us a chance to put points on the board. We then have a clear missed PI call that ended our opportunity to right the previous wrong of the officials. In critical moments of the game, they were presented with opportunities that we were not due to plays that should’ve been reviewable.
Arguably the biggest play in the game on a 4th-and-6 with less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Despite an apparent pass interference against the Rams that would've given Seattle a first down, there was no call on the field.
Earlier in the quarter, a defensive holding call against the Seahawks on a 3rd-and-12 gave Los Angeles a first down with the score tied 10-10. The Rams scored a touchdown later in the drive to go up 17-10 before eventually sealing the win.
"These are literally life changing moments that shouldn’t be overlooked," Peterson wrote.
On the other hand, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was worried about other factors besides the refs.
"I'm not bellyaching about that call," Carroll said of the missed pass interference. "We needed to win the game in all the other ways we could win the game."
Peterson didn't play in Tuesday's game while dealing with a back injury and has only appeared in one game for Seattle since joining the team at the start of December. It's clear the 36-year-old is still emotional about his squad and he wants to win.
Meanwhile, there have been other complaints about the officials this season and players are becoming more aggressive in recent weeks. Chicago Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn said Monday the NFL needs to "check the refs they hire."
Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp Lead Rams Past Russell Wilson, Seahawks for Crucial Win
Dec 22, 2021
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
The Los Angeles Rams jumped into the NFC West lead after beating the visiting Seattle Seahawks 20-10 on Tuesday at SoFi Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught nine passes for 135 yards and both of Los Angeles' touchdowns. His 29-yard snag with 10:48 left in regulation gave the Rams a 16-10 edge:
We've said it, and we'll say it again. That 9️⃣➡️🔟 connection is SPECIAL.
Kupp also broke Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce's franchise record of 119 single-season receptions with this six-yard score in the third quarter to cut Seattle's lead to 10-9:
.@CooperKupp broke the franchise receptions record with a TD. Of course he did.
The former Eastern Washington star set an NFL record along the way too, per Rams staff writer Stu Jackson:
Rams WR Cooper Kupp has his 10th-straight game with 90+ receiving yards, a new NFL record.
That breaks a tie with Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (1995) & current Rams teammate Odell Beckham Jr. (2014) for the longest such streak in the last 70 years, per @NFLResearch.
Both teams traded field goals in the first half, which ended with the score tied at three.
DeeJay Dallas scored Seattle's lone touchdown on a four-yard run with 9:23 left in the third quarter. The Rams countered with the two Kupp touchdowns before Matt Gay, who hit a 55-yard field goal in the first quarter, nailed a 35-yarder in the fourth to seal the win.
Seattle had the ball twice in between Kupp's second touchdown and the final Gay field goal to tie or take the lead, but the Seahawks went a combined two yards over nine plays on those two drives.
The game was moved from Sunday to Tuesday because of a COVID-19 outbreak affecting the Rams, who were able to activate cornerback Jalen Ramsey and edge-rusher Von Miller from the reserve/COVID-19 list before the game.
COVID-19 also affected the Seahawks, who were without wideout Tyler Lockett, running back Alex Collins and cornerback D.J. Reed, among others.
The 10-4 Rams now hold the NFC West lead via the division record tiebreaker over the 10-4 Arizona Cardinals.
The 5-9 Seattle Seahawks' playoff hopes took a big hit with the loss, as they are now two games behind the 7-7 Minnesota Vikings for the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC postseason field.
Notable Performances
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson: 17-of-31, 156 passing yards, 1 INT
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports recognized that Kupp likely won't win it but also noted that some consideration has to be given here:
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are battling for MVP, and there's a very good chance one of them wins it. Running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts has a great case too among non-QBs, and running backs have at least won the award before.
But voters are going to have take a long, long look at perhaps giving MVP to a receiver for the first time ever.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe gave Kupp much credit as well:
Cooper Kupp is on pace to have the gr8est receiving season in NFL history. Didn’t say he was the gr8est Wr or best in NFL currently, but he’s having a season for the ages. 2k in receiving yds is crazy to even imagine.
The advanced stats would seem to back up Kupp's place in NFL history, with Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders sending this tweet on his DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement):
Michael Irvin holds the record with 591 receiving DYAR in 1995, the most value for a WR in FO stats going back to 1983.
Cooper Kupp now has 507 receiving DYAR. He's on pace for 615 DYAR.#RamsHouse
Kupp's performance is more notable when considering what the Rams' skill position players have gone through this year.
No. 2 wideout Robert Woods is out for the year with a torn ACL suffered midseason. Quarterback Matt Stafford has played through a litany of injuries.
They lost No. 1 running back Cam Akers before the season. No. 2-turned-No. 1 back Darrell Henderson Jr. has missed three games.
The Rams have generally received steady production from tight end Tyler Higbee and wideout Van Jefferson, but Kupp has been the engine for this entire team.
If you replaced him with a league-average wideout, the Rams could be finding themselves fighting for a playoff spot rather than the division crown and a potential No. 1 seed.
But L.A. is lucky to have Kupp, who is unquestionably the top wide receiver in football and one of the most valuable players in the game today.
Bad No-Call Hurts Seattle, but Seahawks Offense Still Sputters in Defeat
The play of the game occurred with Seattle facing a 4th-and-6 from midfield down 17-10 with 3:21 left in regulation.
Russell Wilson dropped back and found DeeJay Dallas down the field, but Rams linebacker Ernest Jones slapped the running back in the left arm and bodied him as the ball settled back down around the L.A. 32-yard line.
It appeared to be a clear pass interference, but nothing was called. In frustration, Dallas kicked the ball down the field and was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Gregg Bell of the News-Tribune provided his take.
4th & 6 Seahawks, 3:27 left: Russell Wilson has unblocked pressure, DeeJay Dallas contacted as the ball arrives. No call.
Then Dallas kicks the ball way back upfield. 15-yard foul. Rams instantly in field-goal range.
That gave the Rams the ball on the Seattle 35-yard line, and they chewed up some clock before the final field goal.
Perhaps this game has a different story if PI was called on Jones, but ultimately, Seattle has cemented its first losing season of the Russell Wilson era with the defeat on Tuesday, and it's because of the offense.
The Seahawks' first three drives went for a combined 17 yards. They ended with three punts.
The Seahawks' final five drives went for a combined 50 yards. They ended with three punts, a turnover on downs and an interception.
In the middle, Seattle ended its first half with a field goal thanks largely to a 34-yard Gerald Everett catch. The Seahawks also showed what they were capable of with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, which included a 25-yard Freddie Swain catch, for the team's only touchdown.
But this game was a referendum on a Seahawks offense that has now scored just 20.1 points per game, which now puts them 24th in the 32-team NFL.
Wilson threw for just 5.0 yards per pass attempt. He was sacked three times. Fifty-nine of his 156 passing yards came on just two plays. Any wideout not named DK Metcalf had just one catch for 25 yards on five targets.
Seattle was without its top receiver in Lockett, whose 1,023 receiving yards paces the team.
However, the Seahawks simply need to do better for a defense that hasn't allowed more than 23 points in any of their last nine games. Seattle allowed the fourth-fewest points in football entering Tuesday.
Sure, Kupp went off, but he does that against everyone in the league. The rest of the Rams were largely quiet as they scored just 20 points.
The Seahawks were unable to get any explosive runs, and they only had two explosive passes. They were also unable to sustain any consistent drives for the majority of the game, and that will spell the end of their season.
What's Next?
The Rams are visiting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Stadium. The Seahawks are hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. in Lumen Field.
Seahawks Place Tyler Lockett, Alex Collins on Reserve/COVID-19 List
Dec 16, 2021
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Seattle Seahawks placed two key offensive players, wide receiver Tyler Lockett and running back Alex Collins, on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.
The roster moves come just three days before the Seahawks face the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams on the road.
Seattle's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, as it is currently last in the NFC West with a 5-8 record, but the team enters Sunday's contest on a two-game winning streak.
Of the two potential absences, Lockett will likely hurt the most since he is Seattle's leading receiver this season.
The 29-year-old veteran is pacing the team with 62 receptions for 1,062 yards, and he is second with five receiving touchdowns, behind only D.K. Metcalf's eight.
Last week, Lockett turned in his best effort since Week 2, as he made five grabs for 142 yards and a touchdown in a 33-13 win over the Houston Texans.
If Lockett is unable to go Sunday, quarterback Russell Wilson will be without his favorite target. It will represent a golden opportunity for Metcalf to step up and break out of his funk, however.
After earning a Pro Bowl nod last season with 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns, Metcalf has largely struggled in 2021 to the tune of 56 catches for 753 yards and eight touchdowns.
Much of that is due to the fact that he didn't mesh with Geno Smith while Wilson was out injured, but his numbers have remained down since Wilson's return as well.
In addition to Metcalf, the Seahawks will need more out of wide receivers Freddie Swain and D'Wayne Eskridge, as well as tight end Gerald Everett.
It should be noted, however, that Metcalf, Swain and Eskridge all missed practice Wednesday due to injury.
Collins landing on the COVID-19 list could be a major hit to Seattle's backfield depth as well.
With starter Chris Carson on injured reserve and out for the season, Collins is the Seahawks' leading rusher. In 11 games, including six starts, Collins has rushed for 411 yards and two touchdowns.
Softening the blow of Collins being placed on the COVID list is the recent emergence of 2018 first-round pick Rashaad Penny.
Injuries have limited Penny to six games this season, but in his second start of the year last week, he exploded for 137 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Penny figures to start again this week with DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer serving as backups.
Given that the final playoff spot in the NFC is currently occupied by a 6-7 team, the Seahawks are still very much in the hunt and could help their postseason chances significantly with an upset win over L.A.
Texans' David Johnson Placed on COVID-19 Reserve List Ahead of Seahawks Game
Dec 12, 2021
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: David Johnson #31 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball after making a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
The Houston Texans placed running back David Johnson on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Johnson has run for 176 yards and caught 28 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown through 11 games.
His absence will force the Texans to lean on Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman more to anchor the running game.
Johnson was dealt a bad hand from the moment he landed in Houston by virtue of moving to the team through the DeAndre Hopkins trade.
"I was in such a fishbowl," he said to The Athletic's Aaron Reiss. "Everything I did was going to be magnified because of the trade. Honestly, I felt like if I was traded for anyone else, it wouldn’t be as bad. I think just the magnitude of the trade is what made it so stressful."
Johnson totaled 1,005 yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns in 2020 as the Texans finished 4-12.
At 2-10, Houston is already eliminated from playoff contention, and it has one of the NFL's worst offenses with Deshaun Watson continuing to be inactive because of his ongoing legal situation.
The Texans are averaging the fewest yards (254.5) and points (13.7) per game. A telling fact about the state of the running game is that Mark Ingram II remains the leading rusher (294 yards) despite not having suited up since Week 7.
Losing Johnson from the backfield exacerbates their issues on the ground. Burkhead is averaging 2.8 yards per carry, while Freeman has only been slightly better (3.6 yards per carry) between his spells with the Texans and Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Russell Wilson Trade Rumors: Seahawks QB's Camp Viewed 2021 as 'Make-or-Break Year'
Dec 12, 2021
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson throws for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-23. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
The Russell Wilson trade rumors haven't quieted down during the Seattle Seahawks' disappointing 2021 season, and it's expected that talks could ramp up again his offseason.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wilson's camp saw the 2021 season as a "make-or-break year" for the quarterback's relationship with the franchise. Reporter Jordan Schultz linked Wilson to the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, a report Rapoport was able to confirm.
The Seahawks are a disappointing 4-8 and on pace for their first losing season since 2011.
Wilson missed three games after undergoing surgery for a mallet finger injury and has not performed at a Pro Bowl-caliber level since his return. The future Hall of Famer has thrown for 300 yards only once all season and not more than two touchdowns since Week 1. Seattle ranks 31st in the NFL in total offense, quietly worse than the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions—teams that have been regularly ripped in public for their lack of offensive explosion.
“When it’s a new system, not everything is just spot on every second with the players in terms of us executing it,” Wilson told reporters last month of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's offensive system. “So we’ve got to be better on our end to make sure we execute every little detail."
The Seahawks won't have any issue trading Wilson if they decide it's best to move on. Wilson has long sought an offensive system that allows him to flourish on an individual level and compete for MVPs. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has consistently preached running the ball—even despite the team's lack of success on the ground this season.
If a power struggle over offensive philosophy still exists between Wilson and Carroll, it would be fair to wonder why the Seahawks would choose to jettison their 33-year-old quarterback over their 70-year-old coach.
This situation is one to monitor closely as the Seahawks play out the string on a frustrating season.
Russell Wilson Denies Trade Rumors Linking Him to Giants, More: 'That's a Non-Story'
Dec 9, 2021
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is pictured on the sideline during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-23. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
With rumors circulating Russell Wilson might consider waiving his no-trade clause after the 2021 season, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback denied the possibility on Thursday.
"I didn't say that," he told reporters. "I'm focused on what we're doing here. I love Seattle. This is a place I've loved every day, every moment. ... That's a non-story."
Jordan Schultz reported Wednesday that Wilson would consider waiving his no-trade clause to play for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints or Denver Broncos:
A "league source" told Gregg Bell of the The News Tribune that Schultz's report "had no credible basis."
And Wilson added that he doesn't intend to leave Seattle anytime soon.
"Yeah, that's my hope," the 33-year-old told reporters when he was asked if he intended to play out his contract with the Seahawks, which lasts through the 2023 season. "My hope's not to just fulfill it, hopefully I get to play here for, you know, 20 years of my career. Will that happen? I don't know. But that's my prayer. That's my hope."
Wilson was drafted in 2012, so a 20-year career with the Seahawks would have him playing through the 2032 campaign. He would be 45. That's Tom Brady territory.
Regardless of Wilson's public denial of the reports he may waive his no-trade clause, however, there's been plenty of buzz in the past year that a divorce between the Seahawks and Wilson may be on the horizon.
Notably, as Bell wrote, "In March his agent, Mark Rodgers, told ESPN the quarterback has not asked the Seahawks to trade him—but if they did want to deal him Rodgers gave Seattle general manager John Schneider four teams which Wilson would accept going to: the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Saints and Las Vegas Raiders."
Wilson emphasized at the time he did not ask to be traded. But it was the sort of moment that made it seem possible a departure could happen down the road.
With the Seahawks at 4-8 this year and needing draft picks for a potential rebuild, this coming offseason would be as logical a moment as any for the two parties to part ways.
