On March 8, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos agreed on a blockbuster trade involving Russell Wilson. The Seahawks traded Wilson away for a significant draft package from the Broncos with the hopes that both teams involved could get a fresh start with the move.
Throughout Wilson’s tenure in Seattle, the situation seemed to get progressively rockier as time went on. Ultimately, both the team and player decided it may be in both parties’ best interest to move on from one another.
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What Details Involved the Russell Wilson Trade?
Let’s take a look at what the Seahawks received from the Broncos in exchange for Wilson.
The Seahawks received:
- QB Drew Lock
- TE Noah Fant
- DL Shelby Harris
- OT Charles Cross (2022 first-round pick)
- OLB Boye Mafe (2022 second-round pick)
- OLB Tyreke Smith (2022 fifth-round pick)
- CB Devon Witherspoon (2023 first-round pick)
- EDGE Derick Hall (2023 second-round pick)
The Broncos received:
- QB Russell Wilson
- DL Eyioma Uwazurike (2022 fourth-round pick)
Why Did Seattle Trade Wilson?
No matter who you asked about Wilson’s time in Seattle, they shared the sentiment that it was a tumultuous one. A situation that was rooted in dysfunction would ultimately meet a crossroads for Wilson and the team, and the results ended with both the team and players understanding a change was needed.
While the feelings of strain were felt for quite some time, the beginning of the end may be pinpointed to one singular moment. Wilson, who was usually buttoned up and quite politically correct in his encounters with the media, decided to let his true feelings out about the organization and his transgressions on the field.
In a 2021 interview with Dan Patrick to discuss his Man of the Year honor, Wilson, for the first time, made his frustrations public. He discussed his issues pertaining to pass protection and his feelings of being left out when it came to personnel decisions. He also discussed how often he would be sacked during his tenure.
When he spoke, the frustration became evident from the veteran QB.
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These words were out of character for the once perceived reserved quarterback, but it was clear that these were long-felt issues from a man who felt he was not being heard.
It’s not the only reason for the departure, but that may have been the icing on the cake for what was already an increasingly sour relationship. Simultaneously, it may have served as the final piece that put the trade out of town in motion.
