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The Seattle Seahawks have shot down Russell Wilson trade offers all offseason, with rival clubs still hoping for a blockbuster deal. But after weeks of drama between Wilson and the Seahawks, the front office now might be eyeing a move to make their franchise star happy.
Before the 2021 NFL offseason even started, a few teams started calling Seattle about its Pro Bowl quarterback. Those calls were initially rejected, but things changed after Wilson publicly expressed frustration about the team’s roster.
Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider didn’t like being thrown under the bus. Soon, they started listening to offers and Wilson provided the club with a preferred trade list. More details started to emerge regarding Wilson’s issues with Carroll and the drama intensified.
Read More: NFL exec puts surprise team ‘in driver’s seat’ for Russell Wilson trade
It got to the point where the Chicago Bears made a very aggressive offer and seemingly had a realistic shot at landing an MVP-caliber quarterback for their offense. But the Seahawks wanted more, squashing trade rumors, and started shifting their focus toward winning with Wilson in 2021.
On SportsCenter, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Seattle is still planning to build around its superstar. Not only have some of the recent additions reflected that, but another key signing could be around the corner.
“I’m told they’re still building around Russell Wilson here. They’re still trying to find him capable pieces to try to bridge some of that frustration he had with building a contender. They got guard Gabe Jackson, they got tight end Gerald Everett. Now I’m told they’re looking around for potential No. 3 receiver help behind D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who just signed a massive extension. One name to watch is Marquise Goodwin. The speedster, he’s got that world-class speed. He is now a free agent. I’m told they’ve at least put a feeler out in that area.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Seattle Seahawks and their plans with Russell Wilson, (H/T Bleacher Report)
Related: Tyler Lockett extension with Seattle Seahawks should halt Russell Wilson trade buzz
The Seahawks have been relatively busy this spring. Before the team hired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, he spoke with Wilson and the quarterback raved about him following the hire. Given play-calling has been one of Wilson’s issues with Carroll, it could be a small step in keeping him happy.
More importantly, Seattle improved its offensive line. The front office acquired and extended Gabe Jackson, who received positive PFF grades in pass protection this past season. On top of that, the Seahawks also signed Gerald Everett to provide their star with another weapon.
But it seems the Seahawks aren’t done making moves and they might look into an even bigger name than Marquise Goodwin.
Will the Seattle Seahawks sign Antonio Brown?
It’s no secret that Wilson wants to be teammates with Antonio Brown. He asked the Seahawks to acquire him in 2019 and encouraged them to sign him this past season. Unsurprisingly, he is making the same pitch to Carroll and Schneider this spring.
Brown wanted to play with Tom Brady last season and it resulted in a Super Bowl victory. Now, he’s looking to get paid a lot more than he received with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But with the two sides far apart in negotiations, the former All-Pro wideout is considering alternatives and Seattle could be one of them.
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Fowler provided an update on where things stand with Brown and the Seahawks, seemingly opening the door for a potential signing.
“He (Wilson) would like to have him on that team. They haven’t made any major moves there yet, but if this goes into the spring and summer and Brown is still unsigned with the Bucs, I could see Seattle swooping in there.”
Jeremy Fowler on Seattle Seahawks interest in Antonio Brown
While there are off-field concerns with Brown, he stayed quiet in Tampa Bay and made a positive impact on a Super Bowl champion. The Seahawks also aren’t afraid to welcome players who have a history of clashing with coaches, as long as they make the team better.
Ultimately, expect Wilson to be under center for the Seahawks in Week 1 next season and Brown might be on the field with them. With that said, both could be gone by this time next year.