Seattle Seahawks reportedly planning to keep Russell Wilson for 2022 season

Before the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, many believed an offseason Russell Wilson trade was inevitable and the Pro Bowl quarterback’s time with the organization was in its final weeks. But it seems that Wilson’s eventual departure isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Things were bad between the two sides before the 2021 season. Wilson publicly expressed frustration about the front office and its inability to build a legitimate Super Bowl-caliber roster in recent years. The organization didn’t respond well to the NFL star’s criticisms and later engaged in trade discussions, with one blockbuster deal almost happening.

Eventually, the two sides mended fences in order to make things work this year. But with the Seahawks near the bottom of the NFL standings and the roster not playing up to expectations, many around the league believed the drama would return and a trade was inevitable.

• Russell Wilson stats: 2,042 passing yards, 14:4 TD:INT ratio, 102.5 passer rating, 44.6 QBR

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, reported before Sunday’s win, Seahawks’ officials remain committed to Wilson as the long-term quarterback and there are no plans to move him this offseason. The insight is further supported by NBC Sports’ Peter King, who wrote Monday that there are “no signs” Seattle trades Wilson.

The 33-year-old quarterback is under contract through 2023, and Seattle could apply the franchise tag on him in the 2024 NFL offseason. Given the deficiencies on the roster, trading a Hall of Fame quarterback would force this team to hit the reset button. Considering the front office’s poor track record with first-round picks, that becomes even more concerning.

Of course, the Seahawks would never come right out and say Wilson could be moved this spring. They are in the middle of the season and even if a trip to the postseason isn’t happening, this team can’t afford any distractions.

• Russell Wilson contract: $32 million cap hit (2021), $37 million cap hit (2022), $40 million cap hit (2023)

A final decision won’t be made for several months, and Wilson can demand a trade during the offseason. But Seattle will also be shopping him in a quarterback market that may include Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers, preferable options to Wilson.

Whether Russell Wilson returns in 2022 or not, this season proved the Seahawks need to make sweeping changes when the year ends.