Okay, deep cleansing breaths, 12s. According to multiple, reliable reports (and our very upset relatives), the Seahawks have traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a package that includes high draft picks and several pros.
Before we cry into our jersey sleeves, let’s take a moment to appreciate Russ’s cooking for a sec. In his ten seasons with the franchise, the iconic dual-threat quarterback passed for over 37,000 yards, rushed for over 4,600 + scored 315 total TDs, and made the Pro Bowl nine times. Oh yeah, he also won the franchise’s only Super Bowl title and came close to a second (which we won’t discuss here).
That’s not to mention how embedded he is within the Seattle community. Russ’s efforts included weekly visits to Seattle Children’s and millions donated to charities that fight food insecurity and empower youth. And don’t forget the Why Not You foundation that he co-created with wife Ciara.
So are we really saying goodbye to the guy whose face is on the side of a Alaska Airlines airplane, and is co-owner of the Sounders? Sigh. Here’s the deal.
What the Seahawks got
The Seattle Times called this “one of biggest trades in Seattle sports history,” and there are a lot of moving parts. For Russ and a 2022 fourth-round pick, the Hawks will reportedly receive from the Broncos:
- Drew Lock, a 25-year-old backup QB
- Noah Fant, a speedy, 24-year-old tight-end
- Shelby Harris, a 30-year-old defensive end considered a clubhouse leader
- The No. 9 overall pick in 2022 (Seattle didn’t have a first-round pick because of the Jamal Adams trade) and a 2023 first-round pick
- Two second-round picks (2022 + 2023) and a 2022 fifth-round pick
What comes next
The trade still needs to be finalized, pending physicals for all players involved, and likely won’t be announced before the new NFL year starts on Wed., March 16. Optimistic fans can review the potential picks in the April draft, though — keep names like Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder in mind.
Meanwhile, news also broke late Tuesday that the Seahawks released legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner, Russ’s longtime teammate, signaling more “end of an era” vibes.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to process our emotions over a pint of ice cream or two.
