The Eagles did indeed try to trade for quarterback Russell Wilson before he was moved to the Denver Broncos, according to Jake Heaps of Seattle Sports 710.
Here is what Heaps had to saying during an appearance on KOA's Broncos Country Tonight, via Bleeding Green Nation:
"(Wilson) turned down the Washington [Commanders] offer. He turned down an offer from Philly during the Combine…And the Denver situation was the clear-cut, number one choice for him going into all these other teams."
Willson "turning down" an offer from the Eagles would seem to indicate that the Eagles made an offer to the Seahawks that was acceptable, but Wilson — who has a no-trade clause — killed the deal. Considering the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and players to get the deal done, it is safe to say the Eagles were willing to trade serious draft capital as well to land Wilson.
While the speculation about Wilson can now stop, the attempt to trade for Wilson raises some obvious questions.
The first one is what does this mean about the team's feelings about Jalen Hurts. The Eagles were once again adamant at the NFL Combine that they were planning on sticking with Hurts next season. Of course, if the report is accurate, they were either trying to trade for Wilson at the same time or were already denied. So their public praise and commitment to Hurts should absolutely be taken with a grain of salt.
Trying to land Wilson, however, isn't exactly a huge slight at Hurts. Wilson is a top five quarterback that is still in is prime. Most teams would trade their quarterback for Wilson. The Eagles can like Hurts and still try to trade for Wilson at the same time. Obviously, and understandably, they like Wilson more.
The second, and more important, question is what does this mean for Hurts moving forward considering the other quarterback options still available.
The attempt to trade for Wilson shows the Eagles are willing to make a big move at quarterback if they feel it is an upgrade.
They might not view, for example, Jimmy Garoppolo as an upgrade over Hurts. But what about Deshaun Watson? What about Malik Willis? What about Kenny Pickett? If the Eagles decide those players give them a better chance to win than it is pretty clear they are willing to make a move for one of them. Perhaps the moves won't happen. Watson has a no-trade clause. Willis or Pickett could get drafted before the Eagles have a chance to draft one of them.
Overall, the team's situation at quarterback remains pretty clear.
The Eagles like Hurts enough that they would be fine with giving him a chance this year to improve. Hurts showed enough last year that thinking he could improve in 2022 isn't crazy or a plan that will ruin the season. Another year with the same coaching staff and in the same offense, which would be a first for Hurts, could be enough for Hurts to take a big step forward.
They are also, however, very clearly open to making a move at quarterback.
If Watson is willing to come to Philadelphia, a trade could happen. If the Eagles fell in love with Willis, Pickett or any other quarterback in the draft, they could draft one.
As frustrating as the non-stop quarterback rumors and debate might be, especially for Hurts and his fans, the reality is that until the Eagles' treasure chest of draft capital is gone, a move happening at quarterback should not be ruled out.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
