The Denver Broncos are not getting Aaron Rodgers, but they have still landed a star quarterback.
Russell Wilson was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to Denver on Tuesday in a blockbuster deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal was completed following weeks of negotiations and has nothing to do with Rodgers choosing to remain with the Green Bay Packers.
Blockbuster: After weeks of negotiations, in one of the largest trades in NFL history, the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have agreed to terms for a deal involving Super-Bowl winning QB Russell Wilson, sources tell ESPN.
Trade is pending a physical and Wilson’s approval. pic.twitter.com/oRFDV8Ehyx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
Denver acquiring Russell Wilson has nothing to do with the Aaron Rodgers' decision to return to Green Bay. Denver general manager George Paton initiated trade talks with Seattle for Wilson at least two weeks ago, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
Drew Lock will be sent to Seattle as part of the deal, according to Schefter.
Wilson had not publicly demanded a trade, but there was plenty of talk that he wanted to go to a team that could give him a better chance to contend than the Seahawks. Wilson drew interest from several teams, but he had a full no-trade clause in his contract. That means he had to approve the trade to Denver, which is not a surprise given a recent report about his preference.
At least one NFC team reportedly made a strong offer for Wilson.
Wilson, 33, expressed frustration in the direction of the Seahawks last offseason. The two sides seemed to work through the issues, but Seattle then went 7-10. That was their worst record since they drafted Wilson back in 2012.
Wilson repeatedly downplayed the talk of him leaving Seattle, but there was obviously plenty to it.
The Broncos went 7-10 like the Seahawks last year, but they have a stronger roster than Seattle. They should be a playoff contender with Wilson, though the NFC West is more loaded now than ever.
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
