While he acknowledged that there been conversations about trading Russell Wilson, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that he does not anticipate the team dealing Wilson this offseason. Wilson is signed through the 2023 season but does have a potential out this offseason.
Carroll was asked about his quarterback from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He said that, at this time of year, it is normal for Seahawks general manager John Schneider to field calls about every player on his roster, particularly the team's star players. Wilson would certainly fall under that category.
"At this time of year, there's conversations about everybody," Carroll said, via Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. "We talk about everybody, and that's commonplace for us to have conversations with teams about all the players, particularly marquee players. And that's not changed. It's been the same every year we've been here.
"We have no intention of making any moves there, but the conversations, John has to field those, he always has, but nothing specific."
Russell made it clear back in January that he remains focused on winning games for the franchise that he has been with for the duration of his career. While Wilson (whose contract includes a no-trade clause) reportedly would have approved trades to the Raiders, Bears, Cowboys or Saints last offseason, the eight-time Pro Bowler would ideally continue his career in Seattle, which acquired him with the 75th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
"My goal is to win more Super Bowls," Wilson said, "and my plan is to win one here. It's that simple."
Wilson is certainly on the Mount Rushmore of iconic Seahawks players, a group that likely also includes Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent, cornerback Richard Sherman and running back Marshawn Lynch. Under Wilson, the Seahawks have compiled a 104-53-1 regular-season record. Seattle has made the playoffs eight times during Wilson's decade with the team, including a run to the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 2013 and an NFC title in 2014.
The 2021 season was a tough one for Wilson and the Seahawks. At 7-10, Seattle posts its first losing season since going 7-9 in 2011, Pete Carroll's second season with the franchise. But after a year in which Seattle had just three draft picks, they currently have six picks in the 2022 Draft, which should allow them to address several of their pressing needs heading into the offseason.
Seahawks fans are hoping that one of their team's needs won't be at quarterback, especially now that Carroll has said that he expects to have Wilson back under center in 2022.
