March 8, 2022, will go down as one of the more historic days in Seattle Seahawks history. Not only was Russell Wilson traded, but star middle linebacker Bobby Wagner was also informed he was going to be released. Just like that, two Seahawk legends who exemplified leadership and class both on and off the field throughout their 10-year tenure were gone.
While everyone is still quite trying to wrap their heads around the situation and figure out where to point the finger, one large question remains: what’s next? For the Denver Broncos, it’s simple. For years, they have been trying to replace Peyton Manning. Now, they have found the answer to their solution and will contend for a Super Bowl after acquiring Russell Wilson. For Bobby Wagner, he has shown minimal signs of regression and will be a hot commodity in the free agent market.
For our beloved Seattle Seahawks, there are a bunch of different directions this can strive towards. Right now, none of them are going to sit well in the stomach of 12s as it feels our world is crumbling right before our eyes.
Yet, there is always hope for a better future. It is going to be extremely difficult to replace Russell Wilson. But, Seattle does have a chance to rewrite this history and get on the winning side when we look back and examine this historic day years down the road.
3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks franchise-altering day
With no clear resolution in sight, it would be reasonable for everyone to check out on the Seattle Seahawks. Let’s be honest, most of their success over the last decade has been predicated on the performances of Russell Wilson. Ever since the Legion of Boom dispersed, Wilson was tasked with keeping this team afloat despite having mediocre offensive line play, an inconsistent backfield, and an underrated wide receiving group.
The good news, the Pete Carroll and John Schneider regime have been in this position before. The bad news is, franchise quarterbacks do not grow on trees. Not to mention, our head coach will be turning 71-years old in September.
Nevertheless, the urgent question that looms over the Pacific Northwest is now what? Let’s discuss the three biggest takeaways from this franchise-altering day.
Both sides wanted this
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree to work out all the legalities before making it official with a court appearance. Essentially, it’s one in which both sides have realized their time has come to a halt and rather than letting things get ugly, they resolve it quickly. Similar to the end of the Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks relationship.
For the most part, this was kept private between the two camps and the situation never really got ugly. Towards the home stretch of the season and in the offseason, whenever given the chance, Russell Wilson reiterated his love for the city, the team and expressed his faith in remaining a Seahawk. But, it is important to remember that Russell Wilson did indeed want out. If he didn’t, this trade never happens.
Before we awake the angry troll mob towards Russell Wilson, maybe he did actually have a point in wanting out. As Brady Henderson of ESPN reports, the Seahawks expressed serious pre-draft interest in Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. That could have been the start of the “trust issues” that broiled over between Russell and Seattle management. Being the ambitious person that Russell Wilson is and believing in his talent, he wanted more say in the personnel around him. Simply, he wanted more power. Which, initiated the discourse.
For Seattle, they just couldn’t get out of their own way. They were stuck on the philosophy that won them the Super Bowl. A young, athletic quarterback on a cheap contract who gives them the power to spend more money on the defensive side. Run the ball. Play good defense. Win the field possession battle. Hence, probably why they showed interest in both Allen and Mahomes. But, they were willing to listen to Russell and give him a pass-first offense in 2020. Even gave him a more up-tempo, no-huddle offense in 2021.
It just seemed that there was a power struggle with either side willing to budge. To keep it frank, the relationship had an expiration date.
Doing what had to be done
Conscious competence can be defined as an individual or group of people knowing how to use a particular skill to complete a task and doing so through hard work and conscious thought. For the Seattle Seahawks, both the conscious thought and hard work have started. Moving off Russell Wilson was a move that unfortunately had to be done. Wilson ultimately felt his legacy was being damaged, leaving the Seahawks with no reparation other than to trade him.
The second domino to fall was Bobby Wagner. By doing so, they were able to save $16 million of cap space. Seattle understands that this roster needs a ton of work and the more money they have gives them a better chance of acquiring the necessary talent to fix those holes. It is also worth mentioning that the impressive play of Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton coupled with a deep linebacker draft class gave Seattle enough confidence to part ways with their 6-time All-Pro linebacker.
Moving forward, they are going to have to do a deep dive on the incoming draft class as they were able to acquire more draft capital in the blockbuster move. With the 9th overall pick, two second-rounders and a third, the Seahawks have a chance to acquire four day-one starters for the 2022 season. One potentially being the new face of the franchise if they were to select a quarterback in the first round.
Nonetheless, Seattle made the competent decision in moving off two franchise legends as they felt it was necessary for repairing this roster. Will they indeed fix this roster? Only time will tell. But, something gives me the itch that the Seahawks have something else up their sleeve. We know the age of Pete Carroll. Rather, the more important note to make here is that the NFC is wide open. The time to strike is now.
The face of the franchise
By trading Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks were able to acquire two firsts and two seconds along with a fifth-round pick and three players. Enough draft capital to potentially flip it for another quarterback who can help them compete right now. While I think it is more reasonable for the Seahawks to do their best to draft Malik Willis with the 9th overall pick, I wouldn’t be the least surprised if they tried to trade for Deshaun Watson.
This Friday, March 11, Deshaun Watson will make headway toward resolving his legal matters as a grand jury will hear evidence regarding his case. Over the last couple of days, his name has been linked to the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ever since Russell Wilson was traded, the Seattle Seahawks have now joined the sweepstakes.
It makes sense as to why. Obviously, the legal problems are a major cause for concern. But, for the Seahawks, it wouldn’t make sense for them to move off Wilson only to start Drew Lock with an aging coach. With the draft serving as a viable option, I think 12s need to become more accepting of Deshaun Watson being a Seahawk. Pete Carroll has a history of taking on guys who have baggage.
Let’s not forget — outside of the legal issues — Watson is a tremendous football player. At every level, he has proven he can shine in the biggest moments. At Clemson, he led his team on a game-winning drive in the National Championship.
With the Houston Texans, he was able to make two playoff appearances with an average roster. Not to mention the weapons he will have in Seattle: D.K. Metcalf, maybe Tyler Lockett, Dee Eskridge and Noah Fant. I am not saying I’m 100 percent on board with this, but it is certainly one of the better options for this team moving forward.