The Cleveland Browns have managed to generate headlines once again after reports surfaced of their talks with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson in exchange for the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. It appears the negotiations may have only taken place with the Browns' hierarchy at the time.

Head coach Hue Jackson had been nearing the end of a tumultuous tenure with the Browns leading up to the 2018 draft. He said during an appearance on CBS Sports Radio that he was unaware of any conversations regarding a potential trade:

“I’ve never heard something so crazy in my life,” said Jackson. “I’m sure [Former Browns GM] John [Dorsey] and [Seahawks GM] John Schneider are really tight. And I’m sure if they’re having conversations on their own and just jiving around and doing those kinds of things. I would think if something was serious about that, we — the executive team — and the organization would have known.”

Jackson's comments may come as a surprise considering he was still the head coach in a year where there were high hopes for a potential resurgence. Regardless, it seems that the Browns' brass may have already considered the prospect that he would not be a part of their future.

Although there may have been some talks with Seattle involving a trade, negotiations never appeared to pick up any steam. Jackson's departure ultimately came to fruition when he was fired halfway through the 2018 campaign following a 3-36-1 record with the Browns.

The Seahawks have since made Wilson the highest-paid player in the NFL after dispelling any notion of a looming rebuild. Meanwhile, Browns fans are left wondering how much better they could have fared with such a significant change under center,