Report: Russell Wilson Turned Down Eagles Before Broncos Trade

Philadelphia had "really wanted" Wilson.

During his final season in Seattle, with the prospect of playing elsewhere becoming increasingly likely, Russell Wilson drew legitimate interest from the Philadelphia Eagles, who submitted a massive offer for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop reported last week.

The feeling, however, was not mutual. Wilson refused to waive his no-trade clause for the Eagles before green-lighting a deal with the Denver Broncos.

“I think the Eagles really wanted him,” Bishop said on Seattle Sports radio. “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.”

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Bishop's reporting echoes that of NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who revealed in April he was "pretty convinced" Wilson would land with the Eagles or Washington Commanders amid the 2022 offseason. But Wilson wouldn't budge on his preference — his "clear-cut, number one choice" in Denver, according to longtime confidant Jake Heaps.

The rest is history. Wilson was sent to the Mile High City for a blockbuster collection of draft picks and players while Philly entrusted its starting QB job to eventual NFL MVP Jalen Hurts, who led the club to an appearance in Super Bowl LVII.

Wilson experienced no such luck with the Broncos, setting career lows in completion percentage and passing touchdowns across 15 forgettable starts, owed largely to a rash of injuries and shoddy coaching, as well as suboptimal play and conditioning on Wilson's part.

Entering his age-35 campaign, a slimmed-down Wilson intends to provide Denver with a return on its investment under the wing of new head coach Sean Payton. It may not result in Hurts-level success, at least immediately, but the operation should look night and day from his maiden Broncos voyage.

“I wanted to have the best offseason of my life and these guys, the team bonding, everybody that’s putting in the work, it’s been amazing," Wilson said last month. "The work ethic, the locker room, everybody’s really tight. I think ultimately, we want to be the best version of ourselves, and me, too. I want to be the best version of me and I’m looking forward to the work of it all and doing that.”

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