The San Francisco 49ers won't miss seeing the quarterback of their biggest rival twice a year
The Denver Broncos fixed their quarterback problem on Tuesday by trading for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, in what appears to be a monster deal. The trade allegedly sends two first-round draft picks, two second-rounders, a fifth-round pick, and multiple players to Seattle in exchange for Seattle's signal-caller and a fourth-round selection. News of the deal was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
Blockbuster: The #Seahawks and #Broncos have agreed in principle on a trade sending nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson to Denver for a massive haul, including multiple first-round draft picks, plus additional picks and players, per sources
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2022
In Wilson, the Broncos found the replacement they've been searching for since Hall-of-Fame QB Peyton Manning's retirement after the 2015 NFL season. Over the past six years, Denver suffered through a round-robin of lackluster quarterbacks, including Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, and most recently, Teddy Bridgewater. After managing to win nine games in 2016, the Broncos have tallied five-straight losing seasons, including another fourth-place finish in 2021.
Today's move officially marks the end of the "Drew Lock Experience," as the 2019 second-round draft pick heads to Seattle as part of the trade. A quarterback drafted to be the Bronco's future was handed the job during his sophomore season, and responded by leading the NFL in interceptions while managing just four victories in 13 games. Lock ends his career in Denver with an 8-13 record over three seasons.
Promising former first-round tight end Noah Fant will also head west after three solid seasons in Denver, where he racked up over 1,900 yards and ten touchdowns. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris' move to Seattle rounds out the blockbuster deal:
The full deal:#Broncos get: Russell Wilson and a fourth-rounder.#Seahawks get: 2 first-rounders and 2 second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris and Noah Fant.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
Wilson hasn't been shy about his lack of satisfaction in Seattle -- specifically the team's poor offensive line play. Just last week, the quarterback stated his desire to be traded to a team on the west coast. In the end, Wilson -- who had a no-trade clause in his contract -- settled for the AFC West.