The Seattle Seahawks believe quarterback Russell Wilson wants to play for a different team.
This was what a league source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio on April 14.
Per a league source, the Seahawks think that Wilson would like to play elsewhere, even if he hasn't and wouldn't ever say it.
They also believe that this unspoken dynamic will cause Wilson to drive a harder bargain with them than he would with another team.
Wilson and his agent, Mark Rodgers, are still in discussions with the Seahawks about another contract extension. Should Seattle balk at Wilson's financial terms, Florio wonders if the Seahawks quarterback would “want that same amount from a different team.”
Seahawks fans will only find out the answer if the parties fail to reach an agreement before Wilson's April 15 deadline. Should Seattle re-sign Wilson and dangle him as trade bait later on, it probably won't happen this season. According to Florio, “the Seahawks can keep Wilson for a base salary of $17 million in 2019.”
In the event Wilson agrees to a paycheck with the Seahawks which doesn't meet his initial financial terms, Seattle will have an easier time trading him. The reason: other teams “wouldn't be looking at the same astronomical investment,” per Florio.
Last month, “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon asked Wilson about the chances of him playing for the New York Giants next season. Wilson merely shrugged them off.
“I'm not sure if the Seahawks are gonna let me get away. I love Seattle. Seattle's a special place. Won one Super Bowl there, go to two Super Bowls, multiple playoff games, and everything else.”
Russell Wilson addressed the rumors connecting him to the New York Giants on @jimmyfallon. Should Seahawks fans sweat the possibility?
@BobGrozandTom go on the record right now! @BobStelton @Thegroz @tomwassell https://t.co/uPw48GNHGl pic.twitter.com/Pwo5MV6aNq
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) March 18, 2019
Seeing Wilson in Giants Blue and White certainly wouldn't sit well with Seahawks fans. On the other hand, fans of Big Blue would welcome him with open arms. It should more than make up for the loss of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. to the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson enters the final year of a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension he signed on August 1, 2015.
Through seven seasons in Seattle, the 30-year-old Wilson has thrown for 25,624 yards, 196 touchdowns, and 63 interceptions.
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