The biggest 'what if' of Russell Wilson's career

What is the biggest "what if" of Russell Wilson's career?

Many would argue that it was the pass in Super Bowl XLIX that should have been a run to Marshawn Lynch that stands out as the biggest "what if."

To be fair, that makes perfect sense. That single play was a game-changer for the entire dynasty; it gave the New England Patriots another championship, and has Seahawks fans clenching up every time that goal-line play is shown. However, all these years later, there is one question that stands over Wilson that should have a much bigger impact on his legacy. What if he never left Seattle?

Russell Wilson's final years with the Seahawks

Despite the growing frustration near the end of his tenure in Seattle, Wilson put up strong numbers in his last two years there. In 2020, he was able to complete 68.8 percent of his passes for 4,212 yards and 40 passing touchdowns and had a passer rating of 105.1. In 2021, Wilson was only able to compile 3,113 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and just six interceptions. 

He missed time due to a severely broken middle finger on his throwing hand in the 2021 season during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. While his numbers took a step down from the prior year, that injury likely contributed to the numbers decline. Wilson even had a passer rating of 103.1 in his final year with Seattle.

A new beginning without having to leave Seattle?

A growing tension between Wilson and former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll revolved around where to take the offense. Wilson reportedly felt he should have more input and wanted a more aggressive passing offense, while Carroll still favored a system that relied heavily on defense and a running game. 

Looking back now, while at the time it felt as if the relationship had just run its course, the argument can be made that Seattle always fit Wilson the best. Since leaving Seattle, he has failed to become a franchise quarterback in Denver, Pittsburgh or New York, as he has run through several offensive systems that have not consistently allowed him to be the best quarterback he can be. 

Even if Wilson had stayed in Seattle, Carroll’s tenure likely still would have eventually run its course as the organization searched for a new direction. The difference, however, is that Wilson may not have needed to leave Seattle to get the fresh start he appeared to want. 

Instead of bouncing between systems and coaches, there is a very real possibility Wilson could have transitioned into the next era of Seahawks football under Mike Macdonald while remaining in the one organization where he consistently looked like a franchise quarterback.

Did Russell Wilson miss out on another Super Bowl?

It is certainly not guaranteed that the current Seattle roster would have returned to the Super Bowl with Wilson under center. People get injured. Rosters get turned over. Coaches get fired. But it's hard not to wonder "what if?"

For years, the biggest question surrounding Wilson’s career centered around one throw at the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX. Now, it may center around one decision years later that changed the entire trajectory of his career.

Maybe Wilson was never chasing a better team when he left the Seahawks. Maybe he was chasing a version of himself that only truly existed in Seattle.