Are the Seahawks and Russell Wilson headed for a split? At least one prominent NFL pundit seems to think so.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk published an article on Thursday in which he parses the phrasing of recent statements from Seahawks brass regarding Wilson.
According to Florio, a subtle change in semantics from head coach Pete Carroll at the Scouting Combine might indicate that Seattle is willing to listen to trade offers for the nine-time Pro Bowler:
Speaking at the Scouting Combine, Carroll told reporters as to Wilson, “We have no intention of making any move there.” If Wilson were untouchable, Carroll would have used broader language. By saying “no intention,” Carroll necessarily implied that intentions could change. That someone could make them an offer they wouldn’t refuse.
The Seahawks have been more unequivocal in their past statements about their intentions for Wilson, per Florio.
The door is open to make an offer. With the right offer — from the right team — Wilson could indeed be on the move.
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The piece continues a year-plus of speculation about Wilson's future in the NFL. The 33-year-old, 10-year veteran has a no-trade clause in his contract, but last offseason was said to have submitted a list of four teams -- the Bears, Cowboys, Raiders and Saints -- to which he would have accepted a trade.
This offseason, both the Seahawks and Wilson have insisted they plan to move forward together. Most journalists covering the team seem to concur, including longtime ESPN reporter John Clayton, who emphatically told 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland that Wilson's "not going anywhere!" back in January.
The Seahawks are the only professional organization the former NC State and Wisconsin star has ever known, after they stole him in the third round in 2012.
Wilson seemed destined for greatness after consecutive Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and '14, and while both he and the team have had overall success since then, they've also endured some early playoff exits and roster attrition.
Last season seemed to mark a low point.
On the heels of Wilson's reported unhappiness with the organization's overall direction, he missed three games due to a hand injury, and the team slumped to 7-10 for its first sub-.500 campaign since 2011 -- the year before Wilson was drafted.
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