Russell Wilson Nixed Trade to Eagles Before Broncos Deal, per Sources

Philadelphia reportedly coveted a veteran Super Bowl champion quarterback prior to the 2022 season.

A year before turning Jalen Hurts into the $255 million man, the Eagles reportedly considered swinging a blockbuster trade that would’ve prevented the breakout 2022 season that led to the star quarterback’s massive extension.

During a recent appearance on ESPN radio affiliate Seattle Sports, Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop addressed an interesting rumor concerning a nixed deal that would’ve brought Broncos star Russell Wilson, who was then with the Seahawks, to Philadelphia.

Bishop confirmed that the trade was not only on the table, but that it was eventually turned down by Wilson, who the Eagles “really wanted,” after he refused to waive his no-trade clause.

“I think the Eagles really wanted him,” Bishop told Seattle Sports’ Mike Salk. “I think they liked his style of play, I think that makes sense, right? It’s similar to Jalen Hurts, especially when he was in his prime and a little bit faster, I think, than now. And, yeah, my understanding at that time is that Russ wanted to stay here and then ultimately that’s not what happened.”

Bishop’s report adds another intriguing entry into the backstory of the potentially history-altering move that could’ve stunted Hurts’s growth and prevented Philly’s run to Super Bowl LVII. 

Back in April, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said during an interview he was “pretty convinced” Wilson was going to end up with either the Eagles or Commanders around the time of 2022 NFL Combine. The nixed Wilson-to-Philadelphia deal was also previously discussed by quarterback coach and longtime Wilson associate Jake Heaps, who told Denver’s KOA in March of 2022 that landing with the Broncos was the QB’s “clear-cut, number one choice” over offers from Washington and Philly.

Considering how the ’22 campaign played out, it’s clear that the failed trade turned out to be in the best interest of Hurts and the Eagles. Of course, the same cannot be said for the Broncos, seeing as how Wilson is looking to bounce back under new coach Sean Payton after turning in one of the worst seasons of his career in his first year outside the NFC West.