Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was once again the topic of trade intrigue this week, following a head-turning report that indicated he might be anticipating his exit from Seattle.
The widely cited report claimed to identify three teams -- the Giants, Saints and Broncos -- for which Wilson would supposedly be willing to waive his full no-trade clause in the event of a potential blockbuster swap.
Asked about the buzz at Seahawks practice on Thursday, the 10th-year pro seemed to dismiss the report, calling it a "non-story."
"I did see it because somebody sent it to me," Wilson said. "No, that's not in my head right now at all. I didn't say that. I'm focused on what we're doing here. Obviously, I love Seattle. This is a place that I've loved every day, every moment. ... I love this place. I love where my mind's at, I love where our team's at. I think that we can be better, it's a journey. But, we can go as far as we want to go."
Asked if he was counting on playing out the entirety of his contract with the Seahawks, which would keep him in Seattle through the 2023 season, the 33-year-old Wilson confirmed it was his plan.
"That's my hope," he said. "Not just fulfill it, but hopefully I get to play here for 20 years of my career. Will that happen? I don't know. It's my prayer and my hope. All that stuff's in the future. That stuff's down the road. ..."
You'd forgive Seahawks fans for being a little squeamish regarding their franchise quarterback, after it was reported last offseason that his agent had relayed to the Seahawks a list of four teams where he'd accept a trade -- the Raiders, Bears, Cowboys and Saints.
Nothing came to pass that time around, but Wilson and the Seahawks had a lot of explaining about their apparent rift, which was said to hinge on Wilson's frustration with lack in personnel decisions and overall organizational direction.
This season was supposed to be a shot at redemption for all parties after a tough 2020 campaign in which the Seahawks sputtered down the stretch and were knocked out of the playoffs early after a sizzling 5-0 start.
But 2021 has been more of the same, with Wilson and the Seahawks struggling early to keep up in a bruising NFC West, then falling out of contention after a midseason finger injury cost him several games.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram