Russell Wilson is widely considered the Seattle Seahawks’ greatest quarterback in franchise history. His tenure with the team, however, was cut short due to multiple circumstances. Here’s a closer look at why Wilson and the Seahawks parted ways, where the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback is now, and what lies ahead for his career.
Russell Wilson’s Trade From Seahawks Changed His NFL Legacy
In January 2022, a week removed from the regular-season finale, Ian Rapoport reported that Wilson wanted to explore his options in the offseason. Rapoport noted that the Seahawks’ disappointing 7-10 season led Wilson to question his future with the franchise.
Although Wilson did not announce a formal trade request, negotiations began behind the scenes.
Two months later, Adam Schefter reported the blockbuster deal: Seattle sent Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for multiple players and draft capital. Soon after, Schefter reported that Wilson and the Broncos had agreed to a five-year contract extension worth up to $245 million.
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The move marked the end of a 10-year tenure in which Wilson appeared in 158 games for Seattle. He posted a 104-53-1 record, threw for 37,059 yards and scored 316 total touchdowns, while earning Pro Bowl honors nine times. More notably, he and the Seahawks reached the Super Bowl twice, securing his lone Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 48 against the Broncos.
Wilson could not replicate the same success with the team he once defeated in the Super Bowl. Although he signed a five-year extension, he and Denver parted ways after just two seasons.
In 2024, Wilson, a free agent for the first time in his career, signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following a loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens on Wild Card Weekend, Wilson was again left searching for a new home.
The New York Giants took a chance on Wilson this season, signing the veteran to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. The experiment did not last long, as Wilson ranked No. 42 among all quarterbacks in PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric before being benched ahead of Week 4.
Now, in 2026, Wilson “fully intends” to play next season, according to Giants reporter Jordan Raanan. At 37, Wilson likely will not see another true opportunity as an NFL starter. But if he does sign with a team this summer, he will serve as one of the league’s most valued backups.
