As the Seattle Seahawks season comes to an end, the futures of quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll remain uncertain. After more than a decade together, it seems changes could be looming that would significantly shake up the Seahawks’ franchise.
There was uncertainty about Wilson’s future a year ago. Shortly after being eliminated from the playoffs, Wilson called out the front office and its inability to build a legitimate Super Bowl-caliber roster. It wasn’t received well, with the two sides at odds and the Chicago Bears later proposing one blockbuster deal that was at least considered.
But the two sides put everything aside for the 2021 season. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, Wilson dealt with injuries and inconsistency that served as fuel for the team’s struggles. With a double-digit loss season drawing to a close, the spotlight is back on Wilson’s rocky relationship with the organization.
With many around the league bracing for a contentious offseason, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided perspective on the situation Monday during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show. He brought up the trade talks that Carroll nixed in 2021, but also shared why the circumstances feel different this year.
“It doesn’t quite feel like that, just feel to me, this year. It feels like something has to happen. I think Pete Carroll would like to re-up again, he’s 71 years old and he doesn’t want to rebuild. I just wonder. Russell Wilson bringing up himself (suggesting it could be his last home game)…Clearly, he’s thinking that it actually may be. I feel like something has to happen there, I just don’t know how it’s actually going to end.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on the situation between Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks, via The Pat McAfee Show
For months, everyone assumed Wilson would ask for a trade this spring. While he shot down the rumors, insisting he wanted to finish his career in Seattle, Wilson’s recent comments about potentially playing his last game at Lumen Field caught everyone’s attention.
The likeliest outcome is Seattle trading Wilson, sending him to a contender and launching a rebuild. While that once seemed unlikely for general manager John Schneider, Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the Seahawks’ top executive is open to it.
“There is a leaguewide feeling, according to sources, that Carroll and Wilson will not be together again next season, which would represent the end of one of the most successful head coach/quarterback duos in NFL history.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on possible split between Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson
Of course, ownership could step in and encourage Schneider to keep the franchise quarterback. Seattle would instantly become the most coveted coaching job available and the franchise might generate some interest from another NFL team interested in acquiring Carroll.
In the end, Sunday’s Week 18 game will likely be the last time Carroll and Wilson are on the same team.