By WOW. In a stunning turn of events, Russell Wilson is now a Denver Bronco. The trade sends Wilson and a 4th round pick to an undoubtedly excited Broncos team. Seattle receives QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DT Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick. It is a high price tag for a highly touted player. This has implications that will shock not only the Broncos but the league in general.
Russell Wilson Outlook
Trade rumors have been swirling around Wilson and Seattle for the last couple of years now. This is in part to Seattle’s lackluster performance in the postseason over the last several seasons. Last year was the first year they had not had a winning record since drafting Russ in 2012. However, the team has not made it past the Divisional Round of the playoffs since their Super Bowl loss in 2014. Proving, that Wilson and the regular season’s success is not always enough. Despite all the rumors, Wilson was always outspoken about how he was committed to Seattle.
Earlier this week we found out there may be exceptions to this. He had a trade clause in his contract with the Seahawks so he had the final say on if the the transaction could go through. Wilson saw the opportunity with Denver and he took it. He owes nothing more to the Seahawks and there should be no animosity between the two sides. He took them to two Super Bowls, winning one, and gave Seattle relevancy and winning football ever since being drafted. Now entering the latter half of his career he has earned the right to jump at a possibility like the current state of the Broncos bring. And it can be quite intriguing.
Denver Broncos Outlook
A team that has gone through a startling 11 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning, they finally have a semi-long term answer. The 6 season quarterback carousel has left the team struggling to find the right offensive answer. Denver has had some strong defenses in recent years, but their offense has just hurt to watch at times. It is not always been for a lack of talented skill players around the shot caller either, especially over the last few seasons. Denver has drafted promising young talent like Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Javonte Williams since 2018. They have brought in guys like Melvin Gordon and Tim Patrick who both are coming off strong seasons last year. Throw into that mix Russell Wilson and you suddenly have an exciting offense.
Just to play a little devil’s advocate there is a slight concern around Wilson. He turns 34 this coming November and you just traded a bunch of potential franchise pieces for him. Wilson who outside of last year has played in every game of his career and you could view that as good he is just tough and durable. Or concerning as he has a lot of NFL mileage in his 10 year career. Off chance a 34 year old Russ breaks down, now you are out of some picks and young pieces that you had.
The road ahead will not be easy either. Denver should now have a potent offense to go with their tantalizing defense, but they play in what may now be the strongest division in football. Twice a year, Wilson and the Broncos will have to play Patrick Mahomes and an ever improving Justin Herbert. Las Vegas always proves to be decently competitive as well. If the division is not enough, the AFC is going to provide robust competition. Again, this is just devil’s advocate. Russell is in the Mile High for the next several seasons and Denver should be thrilled.
Seattle Seahawks Outlook
Don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened. In 10 years this 3rd round quarterback brought you a Super Bowl and a 104-53-1 record. Making the playoffs in 8 years of a 10 year run is plenty impressive. Doing it in a competitive division that was often strong, shows how good the run truly was. All that to say the rebuild is already under way.
The return for Wilson brings some pieces to start the rebuilding process. Drew Lock may not be the franchise quarterback, but you have a young quarterback option on a rookie friendly deal for now. Noah Fant is already a proven playmaking tight end at just 24 years of age. Shelby Harris was noted as a big locker room presence for Denver, which is never bad to have. In terms of the picks, you have Denver’s first and second rounders in both of the next two NFL drafts. A quick chance to find and develop potential building blocks for your franchise. It is not the most glamorous return and nothing will take the sting away, but for a trade Russ is actually going to sign off on, it is a start.
Just a throw in to note how it truly is a rebuild stage, the Seahawks just outright let longtime middle linebacker Bobby Wagner go. No trade for even some minimal draft compensation, just released him. Keep an eye on any player with value, especially Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, as the rebuild may just start spreading and dispanding the team. Strap in the 12th man, you may watch some bad football for the next few years.
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