Seahawks’ Russell Wilson addresses how no-trade clause relates to his future

When Russell Wilson spoke to reporters last Thursday, the big topic was whether the Week 17 game against the Lions could be his final home game as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

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Wilson, who has two years remaining on his contract, has been the subject of trade speculation for roughly a year now, and that noise isn’t quieting with 6-10 Seattle finishing up a poor season where the team will finish in last place in the NFC West and out of the playoffs.

Wilson didn’t really shy away from the possibility that last Sunday could be his final home game at Lumen Field when speaking to reporters last week.

“I know for me personally, I hope it’s not my last game (in Seattle), but at the same time I know it won’t be my last game in the NFL,” Wilson said. “So I’m just focused on today and getting better today. That’s my focus, that’s my goal. I love this city and love this moment and I love these guys, so we’ve just got to make sure we get better today. That’s the only thing that matters.”

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Wilson said during that same press conference that his goal is to win three more Super Bowls before he retires, and when asked whether he thinks the can win those three titles in Seattle, Wilson replied, “I hope so.”

A few days later, Wilson would throw four touchdown passes as the Seahawks left Lumen Field with a resounding 51-29 win over the Lions. Now, the Seahawks are days away from wrapping up the 2021 season with a 1:25 p.m. game Sunday in Arizona against the Cardinals.

The topic of Wilson’s future came up again during his Thursday press conference ahead of the 2021 finale in Arizona.

As noted, Wilson has two years left on his existing deal and is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Not only that, but Wilson has a full no-trade clause, meaning he’d have to sign off on any prospective deal the Seahawks make. Effectively, whether Wilson stays with the Seahawks is up to him as he can OK or veto any deal to any team.

Because of that fact, Wilson was asked Thursday about his no-trade clause and why he didn’t give a more definitive statement regarding his future instead of saying he wants and hopes to remain in Seattle.

First, Wilson addressed the no-trade clause in general.

“First of all, when it comes to a no-trade clause in sports, the main reason is so teams can’t trade somebody to anywhere. That’s the No. 1 reason,” Wilson replied. “Because in sports, you could wake up the next morning and you’re gone somewhere else. So that’s the No. 1 reason.”

Next, Wilson addressed the topic of his future in Seattle.

“For me, I think what I’m really super passionate about obviously is my goal is to win more Super Bowls, and my plan is to win them here,” Wilson said. “It’s that simple. There’s nothing really else other than that.”

As for the uncertainty regarding whether Sunday is his final game of his Seahawks career, Wilson gave a vintage Russell Wilson answer, declaring that “I think the certainty is today” and stating that his goal is to give everything he’s got in practice before trying to “ball out” against the Cardinals.

“There’s no uncertainty in that sense for me. That’s how my mindset’s always been,” Wilson said. “I’m grateful just to put my cleats on again and go after it. I think as you continue to go through your career, every one of these moments, every step on the field, every time I get to come out to practice I enjoy it that much more. I always thought I used to enjoy it when I was younger, I love it that much more (now).”

Before his press conference wrapped up, Wilson was asked about head coach Pete Carroll as it relates to his future.

Earlier in the week, Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle that “I know what’s going on” in regards to Wilson’s future in Seattle and later told reporters that he can ignore trade rumors surrounding his quarterback because their behind-the-scenes discussions don’t hint at Wilson wanted to be traded.

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“We’ve always thought I’d always be here,” Wilson said of his relationship and communication with Carroll. “It’s always been my goal … to win multiple Super Bowls and my plan is to be here and do that.”

Catch coverage of the Seahawks season finale Sunday on 710 ESPN Seattle and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM beginning at 10 a.m. with the pregame show.

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