This was actually a good deal considering the circumstances.
The Seattle Seahawks have made no shortage of terrible roster moves in recent years, but Russell Wilson's trade isn't one of them. It may sound ridiculous when talking about dealing with a 33-year-old MVP-caliber QB where quality passengers are sorely lacking, but it's a matter of recognizing that things weren't working out, acknowledging the rebuilding of Horizon. Was on, and haven't been pulling it out for mediocre years.
It's cold comfort for fans, who had a brutal Tuesday that saw not only the trade of Wilson to the Broncos, but the release of linebacker Bobby Wagner, one of the best and most beloved players in franchise history. The truth is, things haven't been working out for the Seahawks for a few years, whether Seattle's record shows it or not, and it was a team in the midst of a personality crisis. ESPN's Bill Barnwell explained the issue perfectly.
This is really the crux of the issue, and Barnwell is spot on. It was a team that never felt comfortable in what it had become, and the product showed up on the field. As the Seahawks' offense became more explosive, Wilson, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, Seattle was not getting better, or even playing as well as before. The games drew to a close, contests that used to be easy victories were no longer gimmicks, and these subtle clashes were actually in the playoffs, where the Seahawks had not made it past the divisional playoff rounds since 2014.
When offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was fired in 2021 for "philosophical differences," it was a clear sign that Seattle was looking to move in a different direction. He was a proponent of the Air Coriel system, a rapid West Coast-style passing attack that prioritized perpendicularity to the seam, with consequent emphasis on running. Schottenheimer was replaced with Shane Waldron, who cut his teeth with Sean McVay in Los Angeles. McVay has always preached a run-pass balance, similar to past offenses by Carroll.
While McVay eventually needed Matthew Stafford to overcome the hump, the offensive principles being applied do not require an elite quarterback of Wilson's caliber, especially with the price attached to it.
There's definitely a school of thought out there that Seattle got rid of the wrong guy. I understand those who think that a premium should have been placed on keeping Wilson, even if it meant getting rid of Pete Carroll - but the decision has been made. The Seahawks, for better or worse, would go on with a close eye to get back the one that won them a Super Bowl. This might fly contrary to traditional modern thinking if we assume that it means running the ball more and making fewer passes, but that's the plan.
So we had a scenario where the coaching staff wasn't happy with their team building, a quarterback was becoming frustrated with their lack of success, and there was a seller's market on elite passers-by. Wilson was the most valuable QB available with the news that Aaron Rodgers was returning to Green Bay, so Seattle pulled the trigger.
I've seen Seattle get very little in return, but I think it's substantially more. Rumors had reached the point where the proposed trade was tantamount to lying about the size of the fish. Getting the first three round picks and more is something that just isn't happening, regardless of what is reported. It's my fervent belief that it was a great comeback to start Noah Feint with two first round picks, two second round picks, plus a young, tight end.
It would have been even better if the Seahawks hadn't traded for Jamal Adams two earlier, but at least it helps correct that mistake.
Now the Seahawks can rebuild with some important assets. Whether it involves gambling on someone like Malik Willis in the draft, or waiting and playing Drew Locke in 2022. Either way, I think there's something admirable about recognizing the status quo NFC West had become football's most brutal division, and instead of trying to enter that arms race, back down, evaluate and see again It's a quality we don't see enough of teams, as they desperately falter for moderate success without realizing it needs rebuilding.
So while it's hard to swallow now, I think the Seahawks are much better, in a better position to move forward, and they have a brighter future.