While the Russell Wilson saga never reached the point when it looked like the Pro Bowl quarterback was on the cusp of being traded, the 10th-year passer’s comments about the Seahawks’ offensive line and his list of acceptable trade destinations caused a stir. Trade talks never progressed far, and although Pete Carroll confirmed his quarterback’s frustration, the 12th-year Seattle HC views the Wilson trade buzz as over.
“It seems like really old news to talk about this because it’s been such a long time,” Carroll said during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Podcast (via Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams). “The little bit he said carried so much air time that it became bigger than life. Throughout the whole process, Russell, we’ve always been connected. We’ve always been talking. A couple things that came out got magnified and the questions came out, and there was a couple things. He was frustrated when he was talking, just like any of us can sometimes emphasize something that’s on the top of our mind, and it can be played differently than it really played itself out.
“… What it amounted to was I think a refocusing, making sure that we were on the same page, making sure that we were clear so that we could withstand any of the scrutiny that would come towards us, and we did that.”
Wilson did not expect to be traded this year, though this matter could resurface down the line. The Seahawks shut down the Bears’ trade push, after Wilson included Chicago on his four-city destination list, and both Chris Carson and Carlos Dunlap indicated the soon-to-be 33-year-old QB would be back in Seattle this coming season. Here is the latest out of the Pacific Northwest:
- Wilson and Bobby Wagner‘s cap numbers combine to comprise more than $49MM — certainly a sizable chunk of the team’s payroll. The Seahawks could have moved to restructure one of their stars’ deals, but Carroll said (via 710 AM Seattle’s John Clayton) no such moves will be necessary this year. Making only three draft picks, without a first-round contract hitting the books, the Seahawks completed that part of their offseason and still have more than $7MM in cap space. While restructures could have helped the team in free agency, they obviously would have moved more money onto future caps. They are not expected to add a free agent on a deal worth more than the league minimum before training camp, Clayton notes.
- Unless the Seahawks reach another agreement with K.J. Wright, Wilson and Wagner will take over as the team’s longest-tenured players. No indications point to Wright coming back, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes. Wright said earlier this year he would welcome another Seattle deal, but the 10-year veteran linebacker also was not prepared to take a hometown discount. The 32-year-old defender remains in free agency. After Pro Football Focus graded Wright as a top-10 off-ball ‘backer in 2020, he should receive an opportunity for an 11th season. But a big-money deal is highly unlikely at this juncture.
- The Seahawks are trying Darrell Taylor at a new position. The 2020 second-round pick is, for the time being, moving from defensive end to outside linebacker, Condotta adds. Taylor spent his rookie year on Seattle’s reserve/NFI list, after undergoing offseason surgery on his shin. But the Seahawks traded up 11 spots to land the Tennessee product. The second-year defender was on the field at the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp last week. Taylor will be vying to start alongside Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, but a role as a Bruce Irvin-type hybrid player in the team’s 4-3 scheme should be expected, Condotta adds.
I think things will be fine in Seattle as long as King Russ figures out a way to mend fences with the members of the offensive line that he threw under the bus
Fake news that was blown out of proportion
It’s not fake if he said it.
Watson, Wilson, and Rodgers will be elsewhere next year.
Nope. Watson maybe..
Yeah, in jail…
Seahawks window is slammed shut. Though you could argue it has been for the last 6 seasons.
Based on what? Their projected $75M in cap space next year or their 12 win season last year? Start thinking for yourself and stop being negative for effect
How many times have they been in the NFC title game since the Butler pick? They beat up on a cupcake schedule to win 12 games. Rams and a healthy 9ers are much better teams.
49ers, lol. Hawks still have the best QB, RB, and receiving corps in the division. San Jose will be lucky to finish 3rd. Their QB is far and away the least talented in the West and their rookie is a few years away from being ready. What team are you looking at?
I’m much more focused on the Rams and your statement is so wrong lol. Rams WR group is far and away better than Seattle’s. Kupp and Woods can actually run routes unlike DK who was locked up by Ramsey 3 times. Best RB? Once again comical. Cam Akers ran all over teams including the Seahawks. 32 of 32 teams would take him over Carson. Seahawks have zero depth and are such a top heavy team. Jared Goff with no thumb torched them.
QB’s in the NFL always end up in the same boat- want to be highest paid and complain about their line or not having enough weapons. It’s broken and I don’t want to watch a 60 minute game that takes 4 hours.
Did you see that clip w/ Juju last week? He basically said he never heard Tom was the highest paid QB in the league & guess what his teams can compete.
Wilson isn’t going anywhere. They got a few new names on the OL so that should be better. I would imagine the guys left will take it as motivation and the new guys will have to work for a few spots that will be open.
Watson isn’t going anywhere until his whole legal troubles are taken care of. Maybe if they go into the 2023 season and things have died down a bit. I don’t see a team giving much up for at any point though. Never know some owner might ignore their fans and get him anyway.
AMK another 4T Whiner fan that won’t look at real stats and say his team has dominated the NFCW since Seattle has been in it. Heard too many already say that. Or the line it took Seattle so long to win a SB but it was like 4 years longer than it took SF. Even though it was easier back then.
Carlos if you aren’t watching anymore why comment? We won’t miss you. Go watch cricket.