Before the 2022 NFL season, the Denver Broncos acquired quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. But before that trade happened, another team nearly landed Wilson: the Philadelphia Eagles.
During an appearance on the Seattle Sports podcast, Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated and host Mike Salk revealed that Russell Wilson was “very nearly” traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before Wilson ultimately decided against the trade.
“I gotta hear more about ‘Russell Wilson was very nearly an Eagle’ etc,” Salk told Bishop. “I had heard that too. My understanding was that deal was basically done and Russ killed it.”
Bishop largely confirmed Salk’s understanding of the situation, revealing that the Eagles “really wanted” Wilson, but that Wilson ultimately decided he wanted to stay with the Seattle Seahawks.
“I think what I’d say is that the Eagles really wanted him,” Bishop said. “I think they liked his style of play and I think that makes sense, right? He’s similar to Jalen Hurts, especially when he was in his prime and was a little bit faster than now. And my understanding is at that point in time, Russ wanted to stay here. And then ultimately, that’s not what happened.”
It’s a major revelation, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter as a result.
The #Eagles reportedly had a deal “basically done” to acquire Russell Wilson from the #Seahawks before last season, however, Wilson nixed the deal. 😳
Per @GregBishopSI and @TheMikeSalk. pic.twitter.com/6CzbHmtQA3
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) June 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/jameis1of1/status/1664672869823987712?s=20
It kinda worked out for the Eagles to keep Hurts instead. But that Eagles supporting cast might have made Russ look good again. https://t.co/JXtaQGP20i
— OP (@billycundiff00) June 2, 2023
In hindsight, I'm glad this deal didn't go through, knew they had interest tho. https://t.co/0eXHEp1yR5
— Chef Smallz (@GregSmallz) June 2, 2023
sometimes its better to be lucky than good https://t.co/SByCJg6cJw
— Matt Modi (@JediModi) June 2, 2023
The Lord works in mysterious ways https://t.co/FZtMTebuKX
— J🌼 (@Truevillany) June 2, 2023
Obviously, the Eagles are happy with how things turned out for them after this trade fell through.
