Insider Spills Beans on the Russell Wilson Trade That Almost Happened

The Russell Wilson trade shook the NFL last year but it could have looked very different.

If you're a believer in serendipity — the belief that everything happens for a reason — than Russell Wilson landing in Denver last year may have been fated. The Denver Broncos acquired the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks in the spring of 2022 in exchange for two first and two second-round draft picks, along with three players. 

However, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, in an alternate football universe, perhaps Wilson could have been traded to Philadelphia or Washington. At least, that's the buzz he was picking up at the NFL Combine last year. 

"There were times last year where I was pretty convinced either the Eagles or Commanders were going to trade for Russell Wilson," Rapoport said recently via the Joey Mulinaro Podcast. "That was one where you kinda stop everything and you're like, 'Hang on.' Now, it turned out that that was not something he was into and he was only into going to the Broncos." 

Juiciest rumor @RapSheet has heard at the combine the last few years?

How about an NFL world where Mr. Unlimited was….an Eagle 👀

Full ep 🫡: https://t.co/ygp7cmg5EP pic.twitter.com/J41h50wtDX

— Joey (@JoeyMulinaro) April 7, 2023

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!

Wilson ended up producing the worst season of his career in Year 1 in Denver. Under Nathaniel Hackett's stewardship, Wilson was a shell of his former Pro Bowl self, so the Broncos made quick work of firing the head coach before the 2022 season was even over. 

Sean Payton was hired in January to right the Broncos' ship, and priority No. 1 will be figuring out how to get Wilson back on the horse. But Broncos Country's hearts should not be troubled on this issue. 

What Hackett lacked in experience, authority, understanding, and leadership, Payton brings to the table with gusto, including his innovative offensive mind and propensity for being a quarterback whisperer. Wilson's outlook in Denver is suddenly much, much brighter. Just ask Hall-of-Famer Terrell Davis, who believes Payton will "reset" Wilson. 

The Eagles went on to have one heck of a season with Jalen Hurts at quarterback, going all the way to the Super Bowl, but falling short at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Commanders zigged and acquired Carson Wentz, and missed the playoffs. 

For its part, Seattle thrived in the wake of the Wilson trade, with quarterback Geno Smith undergoing a career renaissance, leading his team to the playoffs, earning the first Pro Bowl selection of his career, and a contract extension that included $40 million guaranteed. 

Wilson didn't make out half-bad, either. Don't lament his struggles last year — although he became a national lampoon — as he not only got paid a $245M extension in Denver, but ultimately landed the head coach he purportedly pined for in Seattle in Payton. 

Wilson just had to wait a year and go through the refiner's fire. Maybe that was the price the Football Gods demanded of Wilson in exchange for Payton making his way to the Mile High City. 

Either way, when NFL historians look back on the 2022-24 era of Broncos football, Wilson's first year in Denver is likely to be viewed as a statistical outlier. Payton is the tide that raises all QB ships. 

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

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