According to a report from The Athletic, the Seattle Seahawks haven't shown any interest in parting ways with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, and the franchise has turned down multiple strong trade offers since the 33-year-old sparked considerable speculation about his future last offseason.
While speaking to NFL Network during a Pro Bowl practice last week, Wilson was asked where he wants to play in 2022, and said, "Hopefully I get to play in one place for a long long time," like recent retired quarterbacks Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. Although it's unclear whether Wilson still expresses any dissatisfaction with the Seahawks, one of his go-to receivers anticipates his return next season.
"I think he does [want to stay in Seattle]. I'd be surprised [if he gets traded]," Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett told The Zach Gelb Show on Wednesday. "But, at the same time, it's just, none of us are ever safe. I was talking to my friend about this the other day, when we talked about stability. And the truth is, nobody's safe when it comes to the NFL. Doesn't matter if you make the most money or least money.
"Nobody is committed to you, even through a contract. We see that people can terminate a contract -- like that -- after you sign a deal. It's just a matter of, do you want to eat up the dead money. But anybody's willing to let go and not be as faithful to you as you'd think they would be. So, it's just, you never really know what can really happen."
Wilson, who missed the NFC playoffs for just the second time in 10 seasons, didn't have a memorable campaign. He played a career-low 14 games, due to a finger injury suffered in October, and struggled to develop a rhythm during the second-half schedule. Wilson managed to end his season on a high note, however, racking up 3,113 passing yards with 25 touchdowns and six picks.
Next season, Wilson will carry a cap hit of $37 million, according to Spotrac. Since he has a full no-trade clause, he controls his own future in the league. Currently, Seattle -- which finished last in the NFC West with a 7-10 record -- doesn't own a first-round pick in this year's draft, and isn't slated to make a selection until midway through the second round (41st overall).
The entire football conversation between Lockett and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.