Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reportedly would consider waiving his no-trade clause after the 2021 season for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints or Denver Broncos, per sportswriter Jordan Schultz.

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1468662245391572998

Previous reports had indicated that the Philadelphia Eagles may also be a possibility for Wilson if the Seahawks relent and trade him in the offseason. 

There were rumors dating to last offseason that Wilson wanted to be traded, though the quarterback himself denied them in June: 

There was a lot of people, there was a whole thing saying I requested a trade, and that's just not true. I didn't request a trade. Everything kind of started from there. Obviously, tons of teams were calling and I think that the reality was I didn't want to go anywhere else, I wanted to play in Seattle. But if I had to go somewhere, these are the teams I would go to or consider. At the end of the day I have a no-trade clause, right?

But with the Seahawks limping to a 4-8 record this season and the playoffs likely out of reach, whispers of Wilson's desire to play elsewhere have cropped up again.

The 33-year-old has had his own struggles this season, throwing for just 2,042 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67.2 percent of his passes in nine games. He has a 3-6 record as the team's starter. 

Part of his dip in play is likely due to the injured finger that cost him three games. In five contests before the injury he threw for 10 touchdowns and one interception. In four games since, however, he's thrown for just four scores and three picks. That has led to questions about whether Wilson perhaps returned too soon. 

Pete Carroll says on @710ESPNSeattle of Russell Wilson now four games into his return from hand surgery: “He ain’t perfect,” but he’s much better. Expects continued improvement back to his norm the last five games.

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 6, 2021

Regardless, it's been a rough season in Seattle, and continued rumors of Wilson's potential future departure won't make it any easier. 

Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams is reportedly set to miss the remainder of the 2021 season.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Adams suffered a torn labrum and "additional significant shoulder damage" in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. He requires surgery that will cut his season short.

Rapoport noted Adams injured the same shoulder last year, and it required offseason surgery.

Adams has been durable through his professional career, appearing in at least 12 games in each of his five seasons. He played all 16 games during the 2017 and 2018 campaigns before playing 14 in 2019 and 12 the following year. 

The 26-year-old had an impressive 2020 campaign, finishing with a career-high 9.5 sacks in addition to three passes defended, one forced fumble, 83 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits. 

His 2020 performance helped him earn a four-year, $70 million deal in August, making him the highest-paid safety in football with an average annual value of $17.5 million per year. 

Adams has also had a solid 2021 campaign, recording five passes defended, 87 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits and a career-high two interceptions. Surprisingly, he has not registered a sack.

With the LSU product unavailable, Ryan Neal, Quandre Diggs and Ugo Amadi are expected to step up in the secondary. But there's not much the Seahawks can do to turn things around given their 4-8 record, which ranks last in the NFC West. 

Seattle Seahawks star Jamal Adams suffered a sprained shoulder during Sunday's 30-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

“He sprained his shoulder today, the one that was operated on,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the game, per Gregg Bell of the News Tribune. “So, I don’t know any updates, other than that.” 

Adams underwent surgery after playing through a torn labrum during the 2020 season.

It's not clear how much, if any, time Adams may miss with his current injury.

Adams was a Pro Bowler for the third time in 2020, finishing with 83 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one forced fumble in 12 games. A groin injury knocked him out for four weeks in the first half of the season.

Seattle resolved one of its biggest off-field questions when it handed the veteran safety a four-year, $70 million extension. His $17.5 million average salary became the highest at the position, moving him ahead of the Minnesota Vikings' Harrison Smith ($16 million) and Denver Broncos' Justin Simmons ($15.3 million).

The massive contract left no doubt as to Adams' importance to Seattle's defense, both in the present and the long term.

With the Seahawks now forced to replace the 26-year-old, his injury is a reminder of his versatility. There aren't many defensive backs in the NFL who can do what he can on the field. He can start from a variety of positions and rush the passer, defend the run or drop back into pass coverage from there.

Ryan Neal likely has the task of taking over for Adams at strong safety.

Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson continues making history in his 15th NFL season.

The 36-year-old became the first player ever to score a rushing touchdown with six different teams when he ran in for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter of Seattle's game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

He also tied Hall of Famer Jim Brown for the 10th-most career touchdowns in NFL history.

126th career TD for @AdrianPeterson!

He ties @JimBrownNFL32 for the 10th all-time in TDs.

📺: #SFvsSEA on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/qVaJGHsnWk

— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2021

In addition to the Seahawks, the 2012 MVP has rushed for scores with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Football Team, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans.

Peterson signed with the Titans this season and played three games for the franchise before being waived on Nov. 23. He signed with the Seahawks earlier this week.

Peterson now also has 120 career rushing scores and is just three behind Marcus Allen for the third-most in NFL history.

The Seattle Seahawks have elevated veteran running back Adrian Peterson from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Seattle signed Peterson on Wednesday amid major injury issues in its backfield. No. 1 back Chris Carson is out for the season, while both Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer missed last week's game because of injury.

That left Alex Collins and Deejay Dallas to split the rushing load against the Washington Football Team, and they could only manage 10 carries for 18 yards in defeat.

Peterson was signed this season by the Tennessee Titans after Derrick Henry landed on injured reserve with a foot injury, but he lasted just three games in Tennessee before getting waived.

In those three games, the 36-year-old Peterson didn't show much explosiveness, as he rushed for 82 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, and he caught four passes for eight yards.

Peterson's final game with the Titans was his best, though, as he rushed nine times for 40 yards against the Houston Texans.

With seven Pro Bowl nods, four All-Pro First Team selections and the 2012 NFL MVP award to his credit, Peterson is undoubtedly one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Most of his success came in 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, which saw him eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a season seven times and 2,000 yards on one occasion.

Since leaving Minnesota, Peterson has become something of a journeyman with stints as a member of the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Football Team, Detroit Lions, Titans and Seahawks.

His most recent 1,000-yard season came in 2018 with Washington, although he was relatively effective last season in Detroit, rushing for 604 yards and seven scores as a part-time starter.

All told, Peterson has rushed for 14,902 yards and 119 touchdowns in his 15-year career, ranking him fifth and fourth in NFL history, respectively.

The Seahawks' injury report lists Collins, Penny and Homer as questionable for Sunday's game, meaning Dallas is their only fully healthy back.

Collins practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week, while Homer was a full participant daily and Penny practiced in full on Thursday and Friday.

Peterson getting elevated to the active roster could be a sign that Collins won't be good to go Sunday, as Peterson could fill the power back role Collins occupies.

There is no guarantee Peterson will be active Sunday, though, and even if he is, it would not be wise to put him in your fantasy football lineup.

Adrian Peterson signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks following his release by the Tennessee Titans last week, the future Hall of Fame running back told NFL reporter Josina Anderson on Wednesday.

"We didn't get him back in the day [at USC], but like I just told him we finally got him," Seattle head coach Pete Carroll told reporters, per Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR.

Carroll noted Peterson will join the team on a practice squad contract.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported earlier on Wednesday that Peterson was visiting the team.

Peterson signed with the Titans after Derrick Henry underwent foot surgery in early November that's sidelined him indefinitely.

The three-time NFL rushing champion failed to make a significant impact in Tennessee. He recorded 82 rushing yards on 27 carries (3.0 YPC) with one touchdown across three appearances. He also tallied four catches for just eight yards.

"I'm blessed to be in the situation that I'm in," Peterson told reporters after a Week 10 win over the New Orleans Saints. "A great fanbase, a lot of love they were showing today. I just want everyone to know that I'm gonna continue to get better each week and just keep pressing forward."

The seven-time Pro Bowler hasn't been at the peak of his powers for quite some time—his last standout season came in 2015 with the Minnesota Vikings when he rushed for 1,485 yards and 11 scores—but he remained effective in more recent seasons.

Peterson rushed for 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns across a two-year stint (2018-19) with the Washington Football Team, and he scored seven times in 16 games for the Detroit Lions last year despite averaging a lackluster 3.9 YPC.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks are seeking backfield depth after running back Chris Carson was ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a neck injury.

Seattle has used four different rushers (Alex Collins, Travis Homer, DeeJay Dallas and Rashaad Penny) to fill the void with only modest success. The team ran the ball just 12 times in Sunday's loss to Washington, including two carries by quarterback Russell Wilson, and averaged a mere 2.8 YPC.

Peterson, who's also made short stops with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals in recent years, wouldn't be a lock to vastly improve the team's rushing attack, but he provides a veteran option as the Seahawks attempt to make a late-season surge.

Seattle has a 3-8 record after three straight losses since its Week 9 bye. Wilson, who missed three games with a finger injury, hasn't looked like his typical Pro Bowl self since his return.

With the Hawks potentially needing to win out for a shot at the playoffs, adding Peterson to the practice squad—and potentially to the active roster at some point—is a low-risk move.

It always felt like it was going to be contend-or-bust for the Russell Wilson era in Seattle this season. 

Wilson's Seahawks are 3-8 and in the stacked NFC West's cellar. His highly anticipated return from injured reserve due to a finger injury has produced an 0-3 skid against playoff-contending NFC squads Green Bay, Arizona and Washington. 

Over the course of those three games, Wilson has averaged 205 passing yards with just two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Which isn't to suggest Seattle's free fall is all on the quarterback—roster-building issues around the future Hall of Famer have been persistent for years and seem to finally be catching up with the organization while he returns from the first missed games of his career. 

The overarching context for the Seahawks is unfortunate. This past offseason, Wilson told the Seahawks he wanted to stay in Seattle, but his agent did list four teams that he'd accept trades to. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they were the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears.

Fast forward to now, the Seahawks even flirting with .500 and putting something on film they could build around might fend off trade speculation. But the relationship feels like it has run its course. Seattle can use (though very unlikely) an out built into Wilson's contract this offseason, but they'll undoubtedly look to trade him in order to get something immediate and valuable in return for his departure, provided he'll waive his no-trade clause. 

Wilson's preferred list of destinations, however, needs updating. Dallas isn't moving away from Dak Prescott and Chicago has first-rounder Justin Fields to develop. Wilson's play this year at the age of 33, isn't helping his cause with some would-be destinations and could lessen the potential return the Seahawks would get via trade compared to say, what the Detroit Lions got when shipping Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. 

Luckily for Wilson, there are some offseason destinations that make sense. They boast strong pieces around the quarterback and are in a position to make a run if Wilson arrives and plays at a high level. 

Here's a look at a handful of those potential landing spots and what it might take to get a deal done.

       

Washington Football Team

A year removed from backing into the playoffs with a losing record in a weak NFC East, the Washington Football Team continues to hang around the playoff picture with a 5-6 record courtesy of three straight wins. 

That streak also has Washington playing itself out of position for a top pick and a potential top-flight passer in the 2022 draft. After 39-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick made it into just one game this year, former undrafted free agent Taylor Heinicke has made 11 appearances, throwing 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, throwing multiple scores in a game just four times. 

It's fun to imagine a healthy Wilson in Washington teaming up with legit No. 1 wideout Terry McLaurin, versatile weapon Curtis Samuel and reliable chain-mover Adam Humphries in an offense directed by Scott Turner, who lulls defenses with power runs before deep shots. 

Wilson would be a dramatic upgrade, and much faster than any rookie in an NFC East where even Dallas only has seven wins after losing two in a row. Washington sending a pair of first-round picks (2022 and 2023), a mid-round pick (likely a third-rounder) and Heinicke as a piece to compete in Seattle, would likely get it done. 

    

Carolina Panthers 

The Carolina Panthers have been one of the most surprisingly aggressive teams in trying to fix the quarterback position. 

Carolina rolled with Teddy Bridgewater in 2020, didn't like the results and traded for 2018 first-round pick Sam Darnold in the hopes a change of scenery would give the team a long-term solution. 

But over nine appearances, Darnold has completed just 59.5 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 4-5 record before going on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Carolina then brought back free agent Cam Newton, who most recently got benched in the fourth quarter of a Week 12 loss to Miami after throwing for 92 yards and two interceptions. 

Interestingly, the five-win mark still matches the best non-Tampa Bay record in the NFC South (eight wins), so the Panthers aren't a hard sell as a possible contender in 2022 with dramatic improvement under center. He'd get to work with talented wideouts D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr., plus elite running back Christian McCaffrey (when healthy) in an offense directed by Joe Brady of 2019 LSU fame. 

Ahead of the trade deadline, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Carolina asked to speak to Deshaun Watson, so Wilson being available would surely pique its interest. If the front office is serious, it would be easy to see them offering two first-round picks, a third-rounder and Darnold. 

    

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have not had a good time of finding a secure quarterback since Peyton Manning in 2015. They have run through the likes of Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Paxton Lynch and now the tandem of Bridgewater and 2019 second-rounder Drew Lock. 

Lock has completed 59 percent of his career passes, and over 11 appearances this year, Bridgewater has thrown 15 touchdowns and five interceptions but is 6-5 and has more performances with fewer than 200 passing yards (three, two due to missing time with an injury) than 300-yard games (two). 

With Bridgewater 29 years old and so-so over two different stops in as many years, it wouldn't be too stunning to see the Denver front office go with a bigger, safer splash in the form of Wison. 

The sell for Wilson isn't difficult either—Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton and a stacked backfield make for one of the best offensive casts in the NFL. And to its credit, the Denver defense only lets up 17.8 points per game, the third-best mark in the league. 

Denver would be a tough sell given the uber-competitive AFC West, where all four teams boast at least six wins. But Wilson would have to weigh that against the cast of weapons, especially if Denver woos Seattle with two first-round picks, a third-round pick and their choice of Bridgewater or Lock, depending on whether Seattle wants to attempt to win now or rebuild.

        

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints seemed to easily find a Drew Brees successor with Jameis Winston, sprinting out to a 5-2 start. 

But Winston went down with a season-ending knee injury, and the Saints have dropped four in a row to hit 5-6 as Siemian has completed 57.2 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging just 6.3 yards per attempt, which ranks outside the top 30. 

A team all-in around Brees' final season already, the Saints are an easy sell. They were rolling with Winston under center despite missing elite wideout Michael Thomas. Impressively, the Saints were already somewhat transitioning to a different identity that leaned on a stellar defense, which lets up 22.6 points per game. 

There is the matter of the Saints recently giving Taysom Hill a lucrative hybrid extension worth between $40 million and $95 million, according to Schefter, that changes based on what position he plays. But that's tradeable, and if Hill doesn't perform well to close the season (he's 31 years old and has 142 attempts to his name), the Saints will look for ways out of it. 

That in mind, a package boasting Hill, two first-rounders and a mid-round pick should provide a deal that lets Seattle straddle the line between hopeful contender and rebuilder while the Saints go all-in once more. 

After losing their third straight game on Monday night, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll would like to see Russell Wilson step up his performance. 

Carroll addressed his quarterback's play following the Seahawks' 17-15 loss to the Washington Football Team. 

"Well, the results aren't showing that," Carroll told reporters when asked if Wilson looked like the kind of quarterback he's been in the past. "The results and the way we're playing, it isn't showing up. He's got to do better; we all got to do better."

The Seahawks' eight losses are their most in a single season since 2011, the year before they drafted Wilson. They had a 12-win campaign and won the NFC West title in 2020. 

Wilson did suffer the first significant injury of his career earlier this season. He underwent surgery on Oct. 8 to repair an extensor tendon rupture and a comminuted fracture-dislocation of his right middle finger after hitting it on Aaron Donald's helmet during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Wilson was averaging 239.2 passing yards with 10 touchdowns, one interception and a 72.0 completion percentage in the first five games of the season prior to missing three games because of that injury. 

Since returning to the lineup, Wilson has thrown for just 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. He is completing 55.7 percent of his passes during this stretch. 

Wilson has improved his performance in each of the past three games. His 247 yards passing against the Football Team marked his highest total since Week 3. The seven-time Pro Bowler also had his first game with at least two passing touchdowns since Oct. 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Only the Detroit Lions (0-9-1) have a worse record than the Seahawks' 3-8 mark among NFC teams. 

Wilson and the Seahawks will look to turn things around on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field.    

Don't look now, but the Washington Football Team is making moves.

In a must-win game on Monday Night Football, Washington beat the Seattle Seahawks 17-15 behind a bruising run game and J.D. McKissic's two touchdowns.

TD J.D.

📺: #SEAvsWAS on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/2WYXwxxKrL pic.twitter.com/vAOj8WeFJ8

— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2021

Two TDs for J.D. 🔥

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/zFfY1BWe51

— ESPN (@espn) November 30, 2021

These are teams moving in opposite directions. Seattle (3-8) has now lost six of its last seven games, while Washington has won three in a row following a Week 9 bye. Coming into Monday, neither could particularly afford a loss against a beatable opponent.

Despite that urgency—or perhaps because of it—this wasn't a pretty game. Turnovers were quickly followed by giveaways:

.@qdiggs6 and @Prez combine their powers for the big INT 🤝

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/iJcpSET78c

— ESPN (@espn) November 30, 2021

Landon Collins punches it out! Washington ball once again 💪

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/vUFZhIbAM8

— ESPN (@espn) November 30, 2021

A blocked extra point turned into two points for the Seahawks:

SEAHAWKS BLOCK THE EXTRA POINT AND RUN IT BACK FOR TWO 🤯

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/DaIRjxrllB

— ESPN (@espn) November 30, 2021

And even when the Seahawks scored with just 15 seconds remaining and only needed a two-point conversion to force overtime, Russell Wilson threw an interception.

RUSS AIN'T DONE YET. #Seahawks

📺: #SEAvsWAS on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/2WYXwxxKrL pic.twitter.com/A9JB5Vty8I

— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2021

KENDALL FULLER.

INT on the two-point attempt! #SEAvsWAS pic.twitter.com/8WbyFDBVVy

— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2021

Seattle thought they had recovered the ensuing onside kick, only to be called for an illegal formation. They were unable to recover their second try. It was a sequence that perfectly illustrated just how messy this entire contest was.

Washington will come away optimistic that the playoffs are still a possibility, though McKissic leaving on a cart in the fourth quarter with an injury soured the mood slightly.

JD McKissic waves to the crowd as he’s carted off. Way too many carts on this field over the years. pic.twitter.com/wSBu7ly6pL

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) November 30, 2021

The Seahawks, meanwhile, are watching their postseason dreams slip away. They can't even look forward to a top-10 pick—they owe it to the New York Jets. Add it to the growing pile of disasters for Pete Carroll's team. 

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Key Stats

Taylor Heinicke, WAS: 27-of-35 for 223 yards, a touchdown and an interception

Antonio Gibson, WAS: 29 carries for 111 yards; seven catches for 35 yards

J.D. McKissic, WAS: Seven carries for 30 yards; five catches for 26 yards; two scores

Russell Wilson, SEA: 20-of-31 for 247 yards and two touchdowns

DK Metcalf, SEA: One catch for 13 yards on four targets

Tyler Lockett, SEA: Three catches for 97 yards

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Antonio Gibson Is A Stud

Washington has established an offensive identity in its three-game winning streak, and it's on the ground. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they only rushed for 94 yards but they stuck with the ground game 34 times, with Gibson scoring twice. 

And against the Carolina Panthers last week, they pounded the rock again to the tune of 190 rushing yards, with Gibson hitting 95 yards from scrimmage. 

It's clear that Gibson, alongside Terry McLaurin, is going to lead the way for Washington as they look to work their way back into the playoff picture, especially if McKissic's injury keeps him sidelined going forward. Monday night was another reminder that Gibson is brimming with talent. 

Antonio Gibson is impressive. Nothing he can’t do

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 30, 2021

https://twitter.com/IanKenyonNFL/status/1465527801910632450

Antonio Gibson is averaging 27 touches and 106 total yards per gm since the WFT Bye in Week 9

His 29 carries tonight is a career-high and his seven targets ties a career-high

This dude is going to get fed down the stretch and he’s got a favorable schedule to take full advantage

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) November 30, 2021

Washington has found a rhythm. Gibson is setting the pace.

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Did The Seahawks Just Forget About DK Metcalf?

Because he wasn't so much as targeted for the first time until late in the third quarter. He didn't have a reception until one minute remained in the game. And seeing as he's Seattle's most talented offensive player not named Russell Wilson, well, that's just absurd.

DK Metcalf is fixin' to light the world on fire in his postgame presser. pic.twitter.com/kcaykwoYt3

— Dan Hanzus (@DanHanzus) November 30, 2021

Not a single 1H target for DK Metcalf. Not one! Inexcusable from Shane Waldron, and Pete Carroll for that matter. What a joke. #Seahawks

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 30, 2021

Seattle has so many issues on offense. The run game is stale. The offensive line is poor. Drives seem to peter out with barely a whimper (4-of-12 on third down, 10 total first downs). Wilson hasn't looked like himself since returning from a finger injury. 

But getting Metcalf touches and targets shouldn't be an issue. It generally hasn't been—he came into the game with 46 catches for 637 yards and eight touchdowns. How he completely disappeared from the game plan—or from Wilson's progressions—against a very mediocre Washington secondary is truly a mystery.

And one that the entire city of Seattle will spend the next week trying to solve through scathing newspaper columns and angry callers on talk radio. 

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What's Next?

Washington travels to Las Vegas to face the Raiders on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox). Seattle hosts their bitter divisional rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, that same day at 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS).