Report: Seahawks discussed trading Russell Wilson to Browns before 2018 NFL Draft

People throughout the NFL community were shocked to learn in March that the Seattle Seahawks were sending veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos via a blockbuster trade. 

It appears some within the Seahawks were ready to move on several years ago. 

For a piece published Wednesday morning, ESPN's Brady Henderson wrote how individuals within the Seahawks' front office believed Wilson was "a descending player" following the 2021 season. As part of the story, Henderson dropped somewhat of a bombshell and said that somebody in Wilson's camp and the team's front office claims that the franchise called the Cleveland Browns before the 2018 NFL Draft about a potential trade involving the one-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller. 

Per the terms of the proposal, the Browns would've received Wilson in exchange for the No. 1 overall pick in that year's player-selection process. The story adds that Cleveland wasn't interested and that Mark Rodgers, Wilson's agent, ultimately learned about Seattle's intentions. 

The scenario makes for a fascinating "what if" for several reasons. Instead of having Wilson, the Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the first pick of the 2018 draft. Mayfield became Cleveland's starter early in his rookie season but was replaced when the Browns traded with the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson this past March. Cleveland ultimately sent Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers this summer, and he will start against none other than the Browns in this coming Sunday's season opener. 

Meanwhile, Wilson and the Broncos will begin the campaign at the Seahawks on Monday night.