Broncos’ Gamble on Russell Wilson Falls Short as Seahawks Reap Rewards
Trades in the NFL often invite immediate scrutiny, with analysts quick to hand out grades that may not accurately reflect their long-term impact. The true worth of a trade only reveals itself over time, as franchises either flourish or flounder based on their decisions. This narrative has never been more evident than in the case of the Denver Broncos’ trade for Russell Wilson during the 2022 offseason.
Initial Hype and Fan Excitement
When Denver executed the trade, Broncos Country erupted with enthusiasm. After seven seasons of searching for a franchise quarterback, the team had acquired a player who not only had Super Bowl experience but was also viewed as a potential savior for their struggling offense. Fans believed the cost was reasonable, igniting hope for an imminent turnaround.
The Trade Breakdown
As time has passed, however, a clearer picture has emerged regarding the ramifications of the trade. The Broncos received:
QB Russell Wilson
DL Eyioma Uwazurike
In contrast, the Seattle Seahawks walked away with a significant haul:
QB Drew Lock
TE Noah Fant
DL Shelby Harris
OT Charles Cross
Edge Boye Mafe
WR Dareke Young
LB Tyreke Smith
CB Devon Witherspoon
Edge Derick Hall
In total, the Seahawks secured nine players from the deal, while the Broncos only added two. Wilson’s performance in Denver has drawn substantial criticism, prompting analysts to label the trade a “massive win for the Seahawks.”
Analysis of the Trade’s Fallout
Bill Barnwell of ESPN was among the voices highlighting the trade’s negative impact on the Broncos. Initially, he expressed optimism about the move, noting Wilson’s high-level play prior to his injury in 2021. Yet, as the season unfolded, it became clear that Wilson’s struggles in Denver were more pronounced than anticipated.
Barnwell stated, “The Seahawks moved on at the perfect time.” His analysis pointed out that Wilson’s performance deteriorated dramatically upon joining the Broncos, compounded by the challenges posed by hiring Nathaniel Hackett as head coach. The financial implications were staggering: the Broncos invested nearly $123 million for two years of subpar play from their star quarterback.
As for the Seahawks, they have effectively positioned themselves for a successful retooling phase. Charles Cross has emerged as an above-average left tackle, filling a critical gap after the departure of Duane Brown. On the defensive side, Devon Witherspoon has showcased All-Pro-caliber talent, while Boye Mafe and Derick Hall combined for an impressive 14 sacks and 32 knockdowns last season. The fact that all these players are operating under rookie contracts has allowed the Seahawks to allocate resources elsewhere on their roster.
Seattle’s Position Amidst the Rebuilding
Despite the clear advantages gained from the trade, it’s important to recognize that not every aspect has been flawless for the Seahawks. The contributions from Lock were minimal, and the team ultimately re-signed Geno Smith, who has performed admirably during his tenure as the starting quarterback. However, Seattle has yet to capture a playoff victory, finishing with a 30-24 record since the Wilson trade.
This raises a critical point: making a trade of this magnitude without a clear quarterback replacement can trap a franchise in a state of mediocrity—a precarious position for any team.
Looking Ahead for the Broncos
The verdict on the Wilson trade may be largely negative, with many calling it one of the worst trades in NFL history. However, numerous Broncos fans contend that the contract extension granted to Wilson before he even stepped on the field in Denver was a significant misstep that exacerbated the situation. The Broncos continue to navigate the consequences of this trade while making strides to improve their team.
One notable decision that has been viewed positively was trading Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins later that same year. Analysts described it as an “easy win for the Broncos,” suggesting that the franchise is slowly finding its footing once again, despite the shadow cast by the Wilson saga.
As the Broncos work to redefine their future, the lessons learned from the Wilson trade will undoubtedly linger in the minds of fans and analysts alike.
