Throughout the offseason, there have been hints of tension between Wilson and the
According to a report from The Athletic, there has been tension between Wilson and the Seahawks for years over the offense and influence over team decisions.
According to The Athletic, Wilson has long lobbied for a say in personnel decisions and the game plan, believing Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll's belief in conservative, run-oriented football was too restrictive. Carroll and the Seahawks, meanwhile, reportedly feel differently and haven't given Wilson as much sway in those decisions as he might like.
The Seahawks embraced the "Let Russ cook" mentality at the beginning of the 2020 season, and Wilson responded with career-best numbers that led him to the front of the MVP race. However, Wilson and the Seahawks offense faltered over the second half of the season, leading Carroll to pull in the reins.
According to The Athletic, during a pregame meeting before a November 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals, Wilson met with Seahawks coaches to discuss his ideas for how to get the offense back on track. The Athletic reported:
"His suggestions were dismissed, multiple sources told The Athletic - another reminder to Wilson that the Seahawks did not see him the same way he saw himself, as a player who had earned greater control over his situation, his future, his legacy."
According to the report, Wilson stormed out of the room.
Wilson could be traded this offseason
While things are not yet at a breaking point, necessarily, according to The Athletic, "Wilson's frustration has escalated to the point that his camp has broached potential trade destinations with the Seahawks." Potential teams reportedly include the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday reported that Wilson had not requested a trade, but his preferences would also include the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears if he were to be traded.
According to the report, some think a trade could happen in the "near future," if not this offseason.
Dan Patrick reported this offseason, citing a source who said the Seahawks were unhappy with Wilson's public critiques, that the situation between the Seahawks and Wilson is "not sustainable."
According to The Athletic, the Seahawks had debated trading Wilson before, including in 2018 when they spoke to the Cleveland Browns about dealing Wilson for the No. 1 pick.
Trading Wilson would mark one of the more dramatic divorces in league history. Wilson has thrown for 30 or more touchdowns in the last four seasons, won at least 10 games, and made the playoffs in all but one season.
While he and the Seahawks haven't reached the NFC Championship since 2014, a star quarterback in his prime leaving a good team is virtually unheard of in the NFL.
Earlier this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams traded Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and two first-round picks. Carson Wentz was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts for considerably less - a third-round pick and conditional second-round pick that could become a first.
In an offseason where teams are attempting to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Texans in a trade, Wilson may spark a bidding war of his own.