NFL insider weighs in on likelihood of Russell Wilson trade

For much of the past few months, the status of Russell Wilson’s future in Seattle has seemingly been dependent on who you ask. A new insider take reveals that a Wilson trade is not impossible, but also far from a certainty.

In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed what he knows about Wilson’s trade stance. Wilson wants to “know his options,” according to Rapoport, but Wilson would have to approve any trade and the Seahawks would need it to be a “no-brainer.”

Russell Wilson put on a clinic last night Ian.

"I'm not saying he's definitely gonna leave Seattle but he wants to look around at his options.. I wouldn't rule out a trade" ~@RapSheet#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/cDARjK9iSq

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2022

“Russ wants to know his options,” Rapoport said. “I’m not saying he’s definitely going to go, but he wants to look around and see. If you’re Seattle, it’s the same problem they’ve had the last couple years, which is even if they get a great offer, even if they get, let’s say three first-round picks for Russell Wilson, who is going to actually be their quarterback and how quickly could they rebuild?

“I wouldn’t rule out a trade, but it has to be a no-brainer and they have to know the answer to the next question as well.”

Wilson has publicly maintained that he wants to stay in Seattle and play for the Seahawks, but he also wants to win. That latter factor appears to be fueling much of the trade speculation. Much could ultimately depend on how the Seahawks remake their roster this offseason, and how the organization responds if Wilson is dissatisfied with its moves.

Photo: Oct 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports