The Russell Wilson era in Seattle seems is on a slippery slope. For a second consecutive offseason the star signal caller is reportedly headed out of town. Wilson removed all Seahawks related content from his Twitter bio and pictures.
Everybody’s speculating about Aaron Rodgers’ Instagram post … meanwhile, Russell Wilson does not have the Seahawks in his profile picture or header photo on Twitter 👀 pic.twitter.com/FEK83ir3cr
— Broncos Wire (@TheBroncosWire) February 22, 2022
This should probably come as no surprise, as Wilson has repeatedly stated that he wants to “explore his options,” this offseason.
If You Love Him, Let Him Go | Russell Wilson Trade To The New Orleans Saints Is A Real Possibility https://t.co/rdKca4Eehp via @The Shadow League
— Dee Moore (@DeeMoor20141400) October 31, 2021
Wilson was nearly dealt last offseason, and with all the talk surrounding Aaron Rodgers and his intentions, this situation with RW3 has been overlooked.
Wilson’s actions follow those of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who removed all mentions and pics of the “Valley of the Sun Redbirds,” from his social media accounts.
Wilson Wants To Explore Options: Does He Wants A Fresh Start?
While Russ hasn’t requested a trade, the star quarterback has been open about his intentions to “explore his options” this offseason. Following the team’s season-ending win over the Cardinals in January, Wilson didn’t offer a clear view of his future plans outside of him doing what’s best for him and his family.
In his postgame presser, Wilson had this to say about his future.
“We’ve always thought I would be here. That’s always been my goal, to win multiple Super Bowls, and my plan is to be here and do that. You take every day and just enjoy the moment.”
The last part of that quote sounds like someone who’s saying all the right things and taking the diplomatic approach. But if opportunity presents itself somewhere else, he’d be willing to give it a try.
Prior to this past season he gave his agent a list of four teams he would agree to be traded to, including the Bears and Raiders. None of that materialized, but he gutted out over 3,100 yards passing with 25 TDS and just six picks this past season.
And he was still a huge hit at the Pro Bowl, which Wilson was named to for the ninth time as a replacement for Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady
.@DangeRussWilson, a man of the people #ProBowl #ProBowl2022 pic.twitter.com/0qcLyXeMuh
— Cassie Soto (@_CassieSoto) February 6, 2022
Seahawks Suffer First Losing Season, Wilson Injured for First Time
For the first time in 10 seasons with RW3 under center, the Seahawks suffered a losing season (7-10) and missed the playoffs for just the second time. Wilson missed three games with a hand injury and wasn’t anywhere near 100 percent for stretches of last season.
The Seahawks proved incapable without their leader while he was injured. Those failures fall directly on GM John Schneider and HC Pete Carroll, who didn’t construct a championship-level roster during those five seasons that Wilson was on his rookie deal.
Now you have a star player who is disgruntled but is a class act and refuses to throw the franchise under the bus.
If Wilson is leaving Seattle, he wants it to be on good terms, because he’s invested heavily and built relationships in the community.
Guess that finger stills works🤪🎯🏈 #ProBowlSkills pic.twitter.com/zZpUPy2CXO
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 4, 2022
Former Teammates And Analysts Have Varying Opinions On The RW3 Situation
On a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Wilson’s former Seahawks teammates gave their opinions on what needs to happen in Seattle.
The vey opinionated Richard Sherman believes the airing out of differences doesn’t always equate to success. While former linebacker KJ Wright is of the mindset that Wilson should take less money to improve the rest of the roster.
NFL Analyst Jeremy Fowler had this to say:
“I talked to two people leading up to the show, and they said they’d be surprised if Russell Wilson was dealt. I know there’s been some speculation for the last year or so — they feel like Seattle and Wilson are in a good place now.
“Russell Wilson would have to force the issue and request a trade at this point, and there’s no evidence that he’s willing to do that. Now, Richard Sherman is correct. There are some people with the team who agree with him. They feel like they need to have ball control and stay close to their identity. If Russell has a problem with that then there could be a rub down the road. The only issue that those sources I talked to brought up is that Seattle has looked at trading him in the past, they talked to Cleveland at one point years ago, they talked to Chicago last year. So, it’s always sort of on the table.”
Let Russ Cook? | Or Stick To Pete Carroll’s Method Without The Personnel?
Seattle doesn’t have the personnel to play the way they did when Russ was a game manager early on in his career, which is what Carroll wants.
That team was built on a dominant defense and strong running game, with players like the aforementioned Sherman and Wright plus Kam Chancellor, Michael Bennett, Earl Thomas and current Seahawks star linebacker Bobby Wagner. Plus Marshawn Lynch, aka “Beast Mode” on offense.
The most Beast Mode run of Marshawn Lynch’s career will never get old. pic.twitter.com/PNTT4K0KGy
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 24, 2019
As currently built, “letting Russ cook” through the air is the pathway to success. Maybe it’s time to move on from Pete Carroll and his archaic style of coaching.
FS1 personality Chris Broussard shared those same sentiments on ”First Things First”:
If I'm Seattle, I move on from Pete Carroll long before I even think about getting rid of Russell Wilson, a future HOF QB in the middle of his prime! https://t.co/XF6i9nVQIg
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 30, 2021
From the looks of it, the Seahawks may not have to choose, as Russ seems to already have done it for them.
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