Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson revealed on Thursday that the Seattle Seahawks had sought to trade him several times before reaching the final agreement with the Broncos.
In March, the Broncos successfully acquired Wilson for five draft picks, consisting of first-rounders, two second-rounders and three players.
Several trade attempts
Before going to the practice field on Thursday, Wilson shared further details regarding his time with the Seahawks. According to him, there had been several attempts to trade him throughout his stay with the team.
“Definitely they tried to, a couple of times, tried to see what was out there,” Wilson said.
Wilson added that it was merely part of business and the professional world. He did not let those attempts shake his confidence.
“I believe in my talents, of who I am, I feel I’m one of the best in the world,” he asserted.
Moreover, Wilson said he learned about the trade attempts at Super Bowl LV in February 2021. The Seahawks did not only contact Cleveland Browns in 2018, but the franchise also had several discussions with other teams.
However, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, the Seahawks only actively tried to trade Wilson with the Browns before settling the deal with the Broncos.
The Seahawks’ actions have brought criticism upon Wilson. Wilson said that some people told him that his skill was diminishing.
“I don’t worry about all that stuff, people can have opinions and thoughts and ideas, everyone has their own right to think what they want to think,” Wilson said.
Despite the criticism, Wilson said it didn’t affect him since he insisted that he knew the entire situation and that he needs to prove himself every year.
“You want your career to be a reflection of being one of the best in the world,” Wilson said. “So I think the first 10 years has been a positive reflection, but there’s more to do, a lot more to do.”
Wilson told the reporters he plans not to “play this game with a chip on his shoulder” when entering the upcoming game against the Seahawks on Monday at the Lumen Field.
“Seattle forever means the world to me,” Wilson said.
“I loved it there, like I said, I played 10 years there, it was an amazing experience, I loved every second of it.”
‘Inevitable’ breakup
Furthermore, Wilson said he had several chats with the Seahawks coach Pete Carroll before he was traded. Wilson added that he had hoped things would work out and was disappointed when they didn’t.
“You’ve got to be able to move on with joy and just say I still get to play this game and now I get to be with the Denver Broncos, another great organization,” Wilson added.
According to former Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, the breakup between Wilson and the Seahawks was “inevitable.”
“The reasons are multiple, but ultimately, I think it comes down to a difference of pursuits,” Baldwin said.
Meanwhile, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN, Wilson and the Seahawks had lost faith in each other. Wilson insisted the Seahawks and Carroll were holding him back, therefore he wanted out.
As the Seahawks will host the Broncos on Monday, Wilson said he expects a “rowdy” group at Lumen Field, hoping that it will be a positive experience.
“Listen, I think that I gave my heart and soul every day,” Wilson added. “I know nothing less.”