For fans of the Washington Commanders the list of available options at quarterback may be dwindling some. Friday an ESPN report surfaced that the Commanders were not on Aaron Rodgers’ list of preferred destinations. Now two prominent NFL insiders are reporting or suggesting the Seattle Seahawks have no intentions of trading their franchise QB Russell Wilson.
First, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport appeared on the Pat McAfee Show. Rapoport told McAfee “I just don’t see” the Seahawks trading Wilson.
“I don’t know what Russ’ goal was. I’d imagine this ends up driving the conversation, but I would go back to where I always am with him and Seattle,” Rapoport said (h/t The Spun). “Until Seattle has a better option for them to compete next year, I just don’t see them trading him. I don’t know who their quarterback is going to be if they trade Russell Wilson, and how does that become an upgrade?”
If Rapoport’s comments sound more like an opinion, then read what longtime ESPN’s John Clayton had to say about Russell Wilson’s situation.
While appearing on The Nick Cattles Show of Sports 1140 KHTK, Clayton said there is no chance the Seahawks will trade Wilson.
When asked why he gives a trade no chance, Clayton elaborated.
“First off, if you trade Russell Wilson now all of a sudden you lose five possible wins, because he’s that good of a quarterback,” Clayton said. “Secondly, you just got a $5 million roster bonus on Friday and you’ve got a $31 million cap hit for dead money. And so it’s like do you want to have $31 million and lose your quarterback? He will not be traded.”
Clayton also called the media attention surrounding Wilson and Seahawks one of the most blown up situations he’s seen in his 50 years covering the NFL.
“I’ve never seen one this bad that the reporting has been this bad,” Clayton said. “He’s only gone on the record now eight or nine times saying that he wants to stay here, win Super Bowls and finish his career in Seattle.”
Clayton says Wilson earned a roster bonus Friday. Yet, it’s worth noting Wilson isn’t due a roster bonus until the fifth day of the NFL’s 2022 league year which is March 20, according to Spotrac. Trades will be officially eligible on March 14.
Wilson’s camp drummed up the speculation last year when he disclosed his frustrations with the organization. Even his agent, Mark Rodgers, played a part.
A Pro Bowl picture earlier this month with Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen stirred up the trade speculation. There’s also his recent social media activity that continues to steer the narrative.
The possibility of Wilson getting traded makes for headlines in the media. However, actions are louder than words. Paying Wilson a $5 million roster bonus will be a strong indication of the relationship between the nine-time Pro Bowler and the Seahawks.
For Clayton and Rapoport, they don’t see Wilson being moved. But there is a lot of time remaining for the tone of situation to alter. Only time will tell.
