Report: Reasoning Seahawks turned down stronger Russell Wilson trade offer revealed
On Tuesday, Russell Wilson shook the NFL world when it was reported the longtime Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl quarterback had been traded to the Denver Broncos for several players, draft picks in a groundbreaking deal.
For fans of the Washington Commanders, the news was a major blow as news broke recently that Ron Rivera and company had made a significant offer to Seattle Seahawks but the organization wasn’t interested in a trade involving their star quarterback. So when the news broke on Tuesday, Wilson was headed to Denver, everyone in DC felt a bit blindsided.
Despite just a week ago Pete Carroll stating the Seahawks had no plans on trading Russell Wilson, they did just that.
“What (Seattle GM) John (Schneider) says is, ‘We’re not shopping the quarterback.’ That’s what he tells them,” Carroll said of teams inquiring about current players while speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine on March 3, just last week.
Now, the team has in fact traded its star quarterback, and several reports surfaced– with the first coming from Albert Breer– revealing despite a strong offer, the Seahawks didn’t negotiate with Washington because Seattle wanted to keep Russell Wilson out of the NFC.
Greg Rosenthal is one of several national names who covers the NFL who believes this was simply about Russell Wilson choosing to play for Denver and not Washington (and potentially other teams that reached out).
Russell Wilson, in effect, was able to choose his destination, given the control afforded by his no-trade clause. The Washington Commanders pursued a trade for Wilson and offered the Seahawks a lucrative package of three first-round draft picks, but he was never interested in coming to the nation’s capital, many other smart local and national reporters believe.
Either way, Wilson has a new home, Seattle will likely be seeking a quarterback and Washington will continue their search. That’s the NFL, baby. Everything can get shaken up with one big splash.
Details of Russell Wilson trade revealed
The Denver Broncos sent the NFL world into a frenzy on Tuesday afternoon, trading for Russell Wilson via the Seattle Seahawks. A Super Bowl-winning quarterback will once again be playing in the Mile High City, hoping to bring another Lombardi Trophy to the franchise.
Full details have begun to be revealed, with Denver sending a heavy package up to Seattle to acquire Wilson.
First, fellow quarterback Drew Lock will be involved, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Lock was a second-round draft pick for the Broncos back in 2019 and was started in 21 games. Denver only won eight of those and realized he was no longer going to be their franchise quarterback. Now, Lock will head to Seattle entering the final season of his rookie contract.
Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy explained why including Lock in the deal makes sense from Seattle’s perspective. He said being just 25-years-old, a change of scenery could be the difference for a young quarterback.
“Drew Lock being part of the Russ deal was an easy call,” Nagy said. “25 years old with tons of physical talent. People talk about circumstance/fit being a main determinant of how young QBs develop and Denver wasn’t it for Lock. Makes sense that John Schneider is giving him a second chance.”
Another quality player will be heading to Seattle in defensive lineman Shelby Harris. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harris was considered a “locker-room leader” for Denver. Harris had been with the Broncos since 2017, playing in 75 games while recording 203 tackles, 34 tackles for a loss, 25 passes defended, and 44 quarterback hits.
After originally being drafted by the then Oakland Raiders, Harris will be moving to the NFC for the first time in his career.
Tight end Noah Fant is on the move as well, adding to the offensive compensation Seattle will be getting back, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Fant is viewed as one of the best young players at his positions, having 1,905 yards throughout his three-season after being drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft.
Seattle will be getting a heavy draft haul as part of the Russell Wilson deal. Rapoport reports two first-round, two second-round, and a fifth-round pick will be heading the Seahawks’ way. As to exactly what years the picks are in has not been specified.
Denver will be getting back a fourth-round pick as well.