Russell Wilson Rumors: Colts, Buccaneers Could Be Interested In Trade With Seahawks

Intentionally or not, Russell Wilson has revived rumors that he might be traded this offseason. The quarterback changed the profile picture on his social media accounts, removing any reference to the Seattle Seahawks.

It’s been speculated for a year that Wilson wanted out of Seattle, and plenty of teams are expected to make offers if the Seahawks are willing to make a trade. Recent reports indicate that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts might have serious interest in acquiring the nine-time Pro Bowl signal-caller.

Shortly after Tom Brady announced he wouldn’t return for the 2022 season, NFL Media reported that Tampa Bay is expected to explore a potential trade for Wilson. According to reporter Jordan Schultz, Colts owner Jim Irsay also wants to trade for Wilson.

Wilson has a no-trade clause in his contract that allows him to reject any potential deals struck by the Seahawks. If the 33-year-old prioritizes winning a Super Bowl, both Tampa Bay and Indianapolis could be intriguing destinations for the veteran.

The Buccaneers are only a year removed from winning a championship. Tampa Bay finished tied for the NFL’s best record in the 2021 season before losing to the eventual champion Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoffs. Replacing Brady with Wilson would put the Bucs among the NFC’s Super Bowl favorites.

Indianapolis only missed the playoffs because of a stunning Week 18 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carson Wentz played poorly in the defeat, and the Colts are not expected to keep the quarterback after a shaky season in Indianapolis. Adding Wilson to a team with a dominant running game and a top-10 scoring defense could turn the Colts into contenders.

The Colts don't have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, potentially making it harder for Indianapolis to pull off a blockbuster trade. The team could offer up first-round picks in 2023 and 2024. The Rams traded for Matthew Stafford in 2021 by giving up first-rounders in 2022 and 2023 because they didn’t own their first-round selection last year.

Each of the last two Super Bowls have been won by veteran quarterbacks in their first year with a new team. Wilson hasn’t been back to the Super Bowl with Seattle since the 2014 season.

Last year, Wilson's agent said the quarterback would only accept a trade to the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears or Las Vegas Raiders. It's hard to imagine a scenario in which any of those teams trade for Wilson before the 2022 season.

Wilson has still not formally requested a trade, according to reports.