Report: Russell Wilson Rejected Browns' 'Pitch' Before Broncos Trade

Wilson purportedly had no interest in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Browns were not among the teams Russell Wilson reportedly was interested in joining when trade rumors concerning the now-Broncos quarterback intensified last December. But that didn't stop Jimmy Haslam and company from attempting a blockbuster coup this offseason.

And Wilson from rejecting their overtures.

"They did make some kind of a pitch for Russell Wilson,” beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported Tuesday. "Russell Wilson was a player that they were interested in, but Russell was going to be able to dictate where he landed. ... I think that he had his heart set on a few teams, and I don’t think (Cleveland) was one of them."

Can confirm Browns made a play for Russ Wilson (not the first time) this off season, but was not interested in playing there.

Chose Broncos over multiple other teams.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 27, 2022

The rest, of course, is history.

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our FREE newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

In March, Wilson waived his no-trade clause to facilitate a deal with the Broncos, who surrendered for his services two first-round picks, two second-round selections, and a fifth-rounder, as well as QB Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, and defensive lineman Shelby Harris.

The spurned Browns, meanwhile, stutter-stepped at the position before pulling off a largely controversial acquisition of former Pro Bowl signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who's facing NFL suspension following two-dozen accusations of sexual misconduct during his time with the Texans. After shipping away three first-round choices, Cleveland then doubled down by inking Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract extension — fully guaranteed.

"Yeah, they might have been better off trying to land a Russell Wilson (rather than Watson)," Cabot conceded. "I don’t think they really had that option."

---

Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!