Reports: Seahawks trading QB Russell Wilson to Denver Broncos

The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly made the biggest deal in franchise history as multiple reports broke late Tuesday morning that star quarterback Russell Wilson has been traded to the Denver Broncos.

Russell Wilson Trade: Who Hawks reportedly get from Denver

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who was the first to report the trade, said the deal will result in the Broncos receiving Wilson and a draft pick in exchange for a package made up of multiple first-round picks, additional draft picks and several players. The Broncos currently hold the No. 9 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, which is one pick ahead of the selection the Seahawks traded in 2020 to the New York Jets in a deal for safety Jamal Adams.

Blockbuster: The #Seahawks and #Broncos have agreed in principle on a trade sending nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson to Denver for a massive haul, including multiple first-round draft picks, plus additional picks and players, per sources

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2022

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, Wilson has a no-trade clause and must OK the deal and pass a physical. Wilson is signed through just 2023.

Blockbuster: After weeks of negotiations, in one of the largest trades in NFL history, the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have agreed to terms for a deal involving Super-Bowl winning QB Russell Wilson, sources tell ESPN.

Trade is pending a physical and Wilson’s approval. pic.twitter.com/oRFDV8Ehyx

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022

According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Seahawks will receive two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick and three players for Wilson and a fourth-round pick.

The trade is for three players (one being Drew Lock) and two first rounders and two second rounders and a fifth for Russell Wilson and a fourth

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 8, 2022

Schefter also reported that quarterback Drew Lock, a 2019 second-round pick, is part of the deal coming to Seattle from Denver. He added that Shelby Harris, a defensive lineman, is also part of the return. The reported third player is tight end Noah Fant, according to CBS’s Allan Bell.

Seahawks Receive:

1st Round Pick
1st Round Pick
2nd Round Pick
2nd Round Pick
5th Round Pick
Drew Lock
Shelby Harris
Noah Fant

Broncos Receive:

Russell Wilson
4th Round Pick

— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) March 8, 2022

Wilson, 33, was the Seahawks’ third-round round pick in 2012 after a standout collegiate career at North Carolina State and Wisconsin, and he immediately became the team’s starter.

Wilson led the Seahawks to a playoff berth as a rookie in 2012, and the following year he quarterbacked the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title. Seattle returned to the Super Bowl in 2014 as well, where the Hawks lost to New England.

Wilson has set nearly every passing record in Seahawks history during his 10 years in Seattle. Overall, Wilson has a career 104-53-1 record with 292 touchdowns, 87 interceptions and 37,059 yards.

Trade rumors involving Wilson have occurred for years but heated up in 2021 when he voiced displeasure about pass protection and his involvement in roster building. Wilson’s camp then reportedly gave Schefter a list of four teams he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause to – none of which were the Broncos.

Wilson remained in Seattle for the 2021 season, though, and the Seahawks and the star quarterback publicly said that the trade speculation was overblown.

The Seahawks went 7-10 last year with Wilson missing three games due to a midseason finger injury and struggling upon his return. Rumors started to swirl again but Wilson declared he wanted to stay with the Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that they weren’t shopping Wilson but admitted they were taking phone calls regarding the star quarterback.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Washington Commanders offered the Seahawks a substantial trade offer for Wilson last week that was ultimately denied.

The Broncos were tied for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in rumors as their new head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, was Rodgers’ offensive coordinator in Green Bay for three years. But Rodgers reportedly is signing an extension with the Packers.

While it may seem that the Broncos pivoted to Wilson amid reports Rodgers is staying a Packer, Schefter said Denver has had its eyes on Wilson for a while.

Denver acquiring Russell Wilson has nothing to do with the Aaron Rodgers' decision to return to Green Bay. Denver general manager George Paton initiated trade talks with Seattle for Wilson at least two weeks ago, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022

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