The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos agreed in principle to a block-buster trade, sending quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver for a significant package.
The exact package for Seattle, which also sent a fourth round pick to Denver, includes two first rounders, two second rounders, a fifth rounder, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant.
The trade is pending a physical examination and Wilson waiving his no-trade clause, ending his 10-year run with the Seahawks. That run included nine Pro Bowl selections, one Super Bowl championship and more wins than any quarterback ever has posted during his first 10 seasons in the league. Wilson is currently under the final two years of his deal and will cost $19 million in salary in 2022 and $22 million in 2023. The Broncos have over $41 million in salary cap and can easily absorb this trade. The trade cannot be finalized until the new NFL league begins on March 16.
The trade gives Denver the signal caller they have been searching for since Peyton Manning’s retirement after the 2015 season and it gives Seattle a chance at a fresh start to rebuild without Wilson, who led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl title in 2014.
Denver acquiring Wilson had nothing to do with the Aaron Rodgers’ decision to go back to the Green Bay Packers earlier on Tuesday. Denver general manager George Paton stated trade talks started two weeks ago. In recent days, as trade talks ramped up, it became evident that Wilson was the Broncos first choice.
The Seahawks got offers from multiple organizations concerning Wilson. Wilson thought that his days in Seattle might be numbered and wanted to go to a winning team. Denver, with all of their offensive weapons and standout defensive players, seemed to greatly appeal to Wilson.
Wilson had a rocky 2021 season. He started out on fire, then suffered a finger injury, which caused him to sit out three games, and he was not himself immediately after coming back. He returned to form down the stretch, indicating it was due to the injury and not an aging, 33 year old.
Wilson has thrown 292 career touchdowns for 37,059 yards. He also holds the fourth highest passer rating in NFL history and ranks 15th all-time in passing touchdowns, despite being only 35th in passing attempts.
The Broncos had a playoff-ready roster, but were lacking a franchise quarterback. Now that they have a Super Bowl champion at that position, they can compete with the likes of Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert and Las Vegas Raiders Derek Carr in a loaded AFC West.
