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The Seattle Seahawks continued their organized team activities (OTAs) at VMAC in Renton on Thursday, and what better way to finish the day than get an in-depth press conference with Russell Wilson?
As you all know by now, Wilson was the subject of many trade rumors and alleged discontent in the early part of this offseason, but all of that drama has since subsided and we’re onto Wilson’s 10th season as Seattle’s starting quarterback. Here are some of the key points from his first major Seahawks media appearance over the past several months. Topics addressed included those aforementioned trade rumors, his future with the Seahawks, his relationship with Pete Carroll, and more.
On trade rumors and that list of four teams he’d play for if not the Seahawks
Wilson reiterating he did not request a trade. But he indicates the list that was revealed of teams he would go to is accurate.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) June 10, 2021
Russell Wilson on the offseason trade rumors:
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 10, 2021
"I did not request a trade. I've always wanted to play here."
Russ cont.
"The reality is that I'm here, and I'm here to win it all."
Russ is essentially saying he and his agent gave ESPN those 4 list of trade destinations to clear up confusion about whether he requested a trade. He did not request a trade. But, if Seattle was to move him, those were the 4 he'd waive the no-trade clause for.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) June 10, 2021
On his long-term future with the Seahawks
Russell Wilson:
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 10, 2021
"I hope I play my whole career here. That's my mission. That's my goal."
Wilson says also had a “great conversation” with team president Chuck Arnold after trade rumors. Says “I know what my intent is every day and that’s to win.”
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) June 10, 2021
On his relationship with Pete Carroll
Russell Wilson: "Coach Carroll and I spent a lot of time together, one on one, and you know we're on the same page."
— Curtis Crabtree (@Curtis_Crabtree) June 10, 2021
Said his relationship with Pete Carroll couldn't be stronger.
On a possible contract restructure
Russ says he brought up with Pete Carroll the idea of restructuring his contract in the name of winning (read: signing talent). Says they had a long talk about it. Russ' deal has not been restructured.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) June 10, 2021
Wilson says he brought up the possibility to Pete Carroll of restructuring his contract again like he did in 2017. He'd be willing to do that again (there's not much downside for players to convert signing bonus to base salary for the purpose of freeing up cap space).
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) June 10, 2021
On that “tired of getting hit too much” line
Russell Wilson says he didn't mean for his comments to come off as criticism of his O-line. Says he never asked for a trade and that "I've always wanted to play here." Says there were some "unfortunate frustrations" after the season.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) June 10, 2021
Russell Wilson on comment "I'm frustrated at getting hit too much" days after he watched in-stadium as Tom Brady won another ring: "When I'm at the Super Bowl, watching the Super Bowl, I should be pissed off." #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) June 10, 2021
On new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron
Wilson says new offense will “not be a massive departure” from what they’ve done. Says many core concepts will remain.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) June 10, 2021
A whole lot to unpack and even more to overanalyze! It sounds like Wilson had some gripes with the way the season ended (as did all of us) but he claims this is all done and dusted and we can move on to what is perhaps the most pivotal year of his career and this erae of Seahawks football.
If you want the full interview just check out the video at the bottom of the page.