Report: Seahawks believed Russell Wilson was declining before trade

ESPN's Brady Henderson reported Wednesday in a thorough examination of Russell Wilson's split from the Seahawks that many in Seattle's front office believed Wilson was declining as a player before trading him to Denver.

Henderson's report details the Seahawks' concern about Wilson's reduced mobility and whether he would be able to turn into a pure pocket passer if he could no longer evade sacks. 

Among others, the report cites an anonymous member of the front office, who told ESPN, "I just felt like he's a descending player," explaining that Wilson has never been the type of quarterback willing to stand in the pocket and dump the ball off - something he would need to do as he got older. 

Henderson reported there was a "disconnect between how Wilson wants to play and how Carroll wanted him to play," one that might have become more of an issue as Wilson aged. 

According to the report, this belief, along with the fear Wilson would ask for a massive extension, pushed the Seahawks toward ending their decade-long partnership. Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million extension with the Broncos last week.

The report has a fresh take on the sack issues that have plagued Wilson throughout his career. From 2012-2020, Wilson was sacked more than 40 times each season. The Seahawks' offensive line mostly took the blame, but Wilson was in a class of his own.

Only one active quarterback - Matt Ryan - has even had five seasons with at least 40 sacks. In two decades of football, Tom Brady has only been sacked 40 times in a season twice. The Seahawks apparently believed Wilson was part of the problem - a problem that would only worsen over time. 

Seattle hosts Wilson and the Broncos on Monday night.