Russell Wilson is all the news that matters for the Seahawks
Today is the deadline for a new contract between the Seahawks and Russell Wilson. Scores of stories are flooding your feed, but how many are valid?
It was something of a bombshell when we first heard that Russell Wilson and his agent Mark Rodgers set a deadline for a new contract. Especially considering that the last time the Seahawks faced this with their quarterback, the deadline wasn’t until July. This has led to rampant speculation that Wilson wants out of Seattle. I find it quite interesting that Wilson himself seems to be the only person who hasn’t said this. Surely we can trust that Honey Badger knows the secret heart of Number Three better than anyone, right?
You may have noticed that the same article features a clip of Wilson talking with Jimmy Fallon. When asked about the rumors linking him to the New York Giants, the Seahawks quarterback jumped right in and spoke glowingly of the Giants organization, the greatness of New York City, and the amazing support of their fans. Actually, not so much. What Russell Wilson actually said was:
"I’m not sure if the Seahawks are gonna let me get away. I love Seattle, and Seattle’s a special place. Won the one Super Bowl, go to two Super Bowls, multiple playoff games and everything else…"
Totally sounds like a guy who can’t wait to get to a new city and a new team, doesn’t he? It’s no secret that Wilson is a guy who excels at coachspeak. He never gives more than what he wants you to hear. It stands to reason he wouldn’t even remotely burn any bridges with the Seahawks, and certainly not with the 12s. Of course, he doesn’t need to hype any possible trade. Everyone on the planet is doing that for him.
Will Brinson posited for CBS Sports that the Giants could trade the sixth and17th overall picks, plus a second-round pick for 2019 and 2020 for Wilson. Brinson makes it clear this isn’t a rumor he’s heard, but a hypothetical trade that fits the parameters of what the Seahawks allegedly want, and what the Giants may be willing to give. As I’ve written before, Russell Wilson is a generational talent, and even first-round picks are a crapshoot.
Russell Wilson deadline looms. light. Related Story
What has largely gone unnoticed among all the trade talk is that Wilson is reporting for the voluntary workouts at Virginia Mason today. May I stress the word, voluntary. That doesn’t sound like a guy who’s playing hardball with his team. It sounds much more like a player who said that he didn’t want the distractions of a salary negotiation going on and on into training camp and the season beyond. I for one am not too worried about the future of Wilson and the Seahawks.