Russell Wilson almost traded to Eagles in 2022, but QB stopped the deal before it could happen
Russell Wilson was almost a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, and then everything stopped.
The year of Jalen Hurts may have never happened, if not for Russell Wilson.
Ahead of the 2022 season, the Philadelphia Eagles were looking to replace Hurts for Wilson. But then Wilson, who possessed a no-trade clause while playing for the Seattle Seahawks, stopped the deal before it could be finalized, according to recent reports.
Though it isn't timely, the Wilson trade took place a year ago, the topic is back in the news cycle because of a topic of discussion on the "Brock and Salk Show" in Seattle this week. During the episode, Sports Illustrad's Greg Bishop explained that the Eagles were highly interested in Wilson because of his playstyle in Seattle.
"The Eagles really wanted him," Bishop said. "I think they liked his style of play."
Ian Rapoport shared the same story in April when he was interviewed by Joey Mulinaro. In that interview Rapoport detailed that there wasn't just smoke regarding Wilson being traded to the Eagles in 2022, there was fire.
"There were times last year when I was pretty convinced at the combine that either the Eagles or Commanders were going to trade for Russell Wilson," Rapoport said.
Wilson wasn't exactly excited about joining either team and thus he didn't waive his no-trade clause which inadvertently led to the year of Hurts.
"That was one where you kind of stop everything and you're like, 'Hang on,'" Rapoport said of the Wilson to Philly rumors. "But it turned out that was not something he was into."
Jake Heaps, Wilson's quarterback coach, also verified the Wilson to Philadelphia rumors of last summer. "
He turned down the Washington [Commanders] offer and he turned down an offer from Philly during the combine," Heaps said, via Bleeding Green Nation.
Wilson choosing to turn down the Eagles may have saved the franchise from itself. Hurts had a career year, while Wilson looked closer to retirement than competing for a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.
Since then, Philadelphia has only backed up its belief in Hurts. It gave the star quarterback a record-setting contract extension and in many circles, the Eagles are the favorite to return to the Superbowl.
That may have not happened had Wilson been the starting quarterback. And Philadelphia is clearly better for it.
Feature image via James Lang-USA TODAY Sports.
