Nine years ago, then Vikings general manager Rick Spielman announced at a Boy Scouts gathering that the team was “no intention“To trade Percy Harvin. Within days, Harvin was gone.
Coincidentally, or not, Harvin traded with Seattle. Coincidentally or not, Seattle coach Pete Carroll used the same words when talking about potential quarterback trades Russell Wilson.
Speaking at Scouting Combine, Carroll told reporters in relation to Wilson, “We have no intention of making any move there. If Wilson had been untouchable, Carroll would have used broader language. By saying ‘no intention’, Carroll necessarily indicated that intentions could change. Anyone could make them an offer which they would not refuse.
Obviously, Wilson could dismiss it; He has a no-trade clause. But with the Seahawks surely aware that they are one year away from Wilson’s next effort to secure a new contract (Wilson is also pushing for a new deal one year before his current contract), the Seahawks have to decide whether to move on to him now, or whether Had to kick the can.
Can they have more now? likely. Next year, whoever trades for him must sign him to a new deal. It is possible (or could) achieve the 2022 trade without a long-term extension. The more the team pays the player as he walks through the door, the less likely the team will be to give in in order to get him from his current team.
Wilson did nothing to instigate a trade in 2022. Last year, he spoke openly about his concerns with the team, and his agent eventually published an unprecedented statement listing four teams Wilson would accept a deal with – the Bears, Cowboys, Raiders and Saints. Those teams’ lineups have since been adjusted, and Wilson may have a new slate of perks he might waive with a trade veto.
However, none of that matters unless and until a team calls up the Seahawks and makes an offer. Carroll’s use of the phrase “no intent” invites an interested team to try and change Seattle’s intent. In fact, the Seahawks never said “no intention” in 2021; In the end, Carroll categorically commented that Wilson’Not traded. “
The difference is subtle, but important. To better understand it, consider what the Bengals would say if someone asked if they would trade a quarterback. Joe Borough. No one on the team would say ‘we have no intention of bartering’. Instead, they were laughing at just asking the question.
Carroll wasn’t laughing on Wednesday. The door is open for bidding. With the right supply – from the right team – Wilson could really be on his way.
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