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Nine years ago, then-Viking GM Rick Spielman told Scouting Combine that the team had no “no intention” of trading with Percy Harvin. Days later, Harvin was gone.
Coincidentally or not, Harvin was changed to Seattle. Coincidentally or not, Seattle coach Pete Carroll uses the same words when talking about the possibility of exchanging quarterback Russell Wilson.
Speaking to the Scout Factory, Carol told reporters about Wilson: “We have no intention of making any move there.” If Wilson had been untouchable, Carol would have used a wider language. By saying “no intention,” Carol necessarily hinted that intentions could change. That someone can make them an offer that they will not refuse.
Apparently Wilson could refuse him; it has a trade ban clause. But since the Seahawks are certainly aware that they are one year away from Wilson’s next effort to sign a new contract (Wilson is also pushing for a new deal with a year left over from his current one), the Seahawks must decide whether to move him now or not. to kick the box.
Can they get more now? Probably. Next year, whoever trades for him will have to sign a new deal with him. Trade in 2022 could (or could) take place without a long-term extension. The more a team has to pay the player as he walks through the door, the less the team will be willing to give up to take it from their current team.
Wilson did nothing to campaign for a change in 2022. Last year, he spoke openly about his concerns with the team, and his agent eventually issued an unprecedented statement listing four teams that Wilson will accept the deal – Bears, Cowboys, Strikers and Saints. Since then, tests for these teams have shifted and Wilson may have a new list of franchises for which he will give up the opportunity to veto the deal.
Still, none of this matters unless and until a team calls the Seahawks and makes an offer. Carol’s use of the phrase “no intention” invites an interested team to try to change Seattle’s intention. In fact, Seahawks never said “no intention” in 2021; in the end, Carol categorically commented that Wilson “was not traded.”
The difference is subtle but significant. To understand this best, think about what the Bengals would say if someone asked if they would exchange quarterback Joe Barrow. None of the team would say “we have no intention of exchanging it”. Instead, they would laugh at the very question.
Carol didn’t laugh on Wednesday. The door is open to make an offer. With the right offer – from the right team – Wilson could really be on the move.