Seahawks: Making the case for Russell Wilson staying in 2022
Ah, the offseason. The time of year Seahawks fans have come to recognize as the time of year ESPN and NFL Network like to spend hours debating the future of Russell Wilson. The headlines are the same and will continue to be. “Seahawks Wilson open to trade talks“. “Sleepless in Seattle? Russell Wilson not happy with the organization”. And on and on, all the way through July.
Riding the coattails of a disappointing 7-10 finish, the Seahawks have decisions to make. Between the front office, coaching staff and roster, the Seahawks could look a lot different in 2022. They could also look almost entirely the same. Change excites me because it’s uncertain. It may work out horribly, but it could turn out amazingly well.
Remember when the team traded a 5th-round pick for Quandre Diggs who turned around and had back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons? Diggs could have fizzled out, but he turned into a superstar. Change is healthy.
Why Russell Wilson should still be with Seahawks in 2022
Here’s what shouldn’t change: the signal-caller. The leader that Russell Wilson is maybe even more important than the skill set he brings to the game. When I watch Joe Burrow play in Cincinnati, I see Russell Wilson. A guy who rallies his troops in the darkest of times. A guy who isn’t afraid to say what he wants to a veteran player, even when he’s a 23-year-old rookie.
Did you watch the Cardinals game? If you didn’t pay close attention after Russ’ rushing touchdown to give Seattle the lead in the 4th quarter, go back and watch it. Watch the team’s reaction and Russ’ interaction with Pete. The amount of energy provided to the team shouldn’t go unnoticed.
As for Wilson’s skill level on the field, we all know that 2021 wasn’t his best season. This was in large part due to the injury he suffered in Week 5 that he tried to return from too soon. In the final 3 games of the season (vs. Bears, vs. Lions, at Cardinals) Russell Wilson appeared to be back to his old form, scrambling like a pro and delivering throws on time with solid accuracy.
With the same supporting cast back in 2022 (Lockett, Metcalf, Everett – hopefully – and Dee Eskridge), it’s important that Russell Wilson returns and keeps the offense operating at a high level.
Ian Rapoport recently reported the team has no plans to move on from Russell, and Seahawks fans should be happy. Obviously, if Wilson ends up requesting a trade later in the offseason or okays a proposition the team makes to him, he could be out the door.
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One day, Russell Wilson will play his last game in blue and green, but for now, I’m crossing my fingers that he sticks around. His play will return to the pre-2021 level in 2022, and the excellent leadership he will bring through an offseason of potential change should not be undervalued.