There were rumours, leaks and accusations — but there was even more drama behind the scenes before the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos this off-season.
In a wide-ranging piece on ESPN.com, the depth of the tension between the two sides was exposed as they barrelled towards an NFL-altering divorce. As far back as 2017, the Seahawks had been looking for alternatives to the star quarterback who had delivered the franchise its first Super Bowl.
“From my vantage point,” ex-Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, told ESPN, “the divorce was inevitable and was many years in the making. The reasons are multiple, but ultimately, I think it comes down to a difference of pursuits.”
Watch The Biggest Sports from The US with ESPN on Kayo. NBA, NHL, MLB & NFL. Live Coverage Every Week in Season. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
MORE NFL NEWS
What’s next after $207m Rodgers split; side of Brady we haven’t seen: Every NFL team analysed
‘I’ve got to prove myself’: Brady makes stunning admission before 23rd NFL season
‘I’m gonna f*** them up’: Star QB can’t help himself after $335m NFL betrayal
General manager John Schneider had attended Patrick Mahomes’ pro day in 2017 and Josh Allen’s in 2018, which at the time raised eyebrows around the league. According to the report, the intention was to draft Mahomes if he slipped to the end of the first round where Seattle had a selection.
“They were f — ing pissed,” a Seahawks’ front-office source told the website of Wilson’s camp.
However, that did not slow up the Seahawks’ pursuit of a young quarterback. Seattle called the Browns, who had the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and gauged their interest on a deal involving Wilson. The Browns passed, but Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, found out about the inquiries.
The uneasy relationship between the quarterback and front office did not stop the sides from agreeing to a four-year, $140 million extension in 2019, though Rodgers insisted a no-trade clause be added to the deal.
Despite playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020, issues persisted. Wilson was annoyed with the Seahawks’ reliance on the run game and wanted the team to lean into the popular “Let Russ Cook” notion that was being pushed on social media.
In the 2021 off-season, Wilson publicly complained about the team’s offensive line struggles and — according to the report — Rodgers leaked to Adam Schefter that he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to the Bears, Saints, Cowboys or Raiders. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was seemingly the one keeping the sides together, given his close relationship with Wilson.
But last season, the Seahawks front office became convinced that Wilson, 33, was losing the mobility that allowed him to keep plays alive.
“I just felt like he’s a descending player,” a Seahawks front-office source told ESPN. “Is he going to be able to be a true pocket passer at the end of his career and just stand there and drop the ball off to his checkdowns? He’s never done that. I can’t tell you he’s going to be able to do that.”
The Seahawks received calls from the Giants, Commanders, Saints and Broncos about Wilson, ultimately wanting to trade him Denver because they wanted quarterback Drew Lock back in the deal. Lock then lost the competition to Geno Smith this pre-season.
The two sides will find out what life is like apart, starting with a hyped Week 1 Monday night matchup in Seattle.
This story originally appeared on the NY Post and is reproduced with permission.
