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INDIANAPOLIS — Semantics School was back in session and Wednesday’s subject was Russell Wilson.
In what is now the 13th month of trade winds swirling around their franchise quarterback, head coach Pete Carroll said at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Seahawks have “no intention” of trading Wilson. So, let the interpretations begin: Does that mean that the nine-time Pro Bowler is off limits? Or could general manager John Schneider’s “intention” change if presented with a Godfather offer?
“At this time of year, there are conversations about everybody,” Carroll said. “It’s commonplace to have conversations with other teams about all of the players, particularly marquee players, and that’s not changed. It’s been the same every year we have been here. We have no intention of making a move there. The conversations, [Schneider] has to field those [calls]. He always has. But nothing specific to talk [about on Wilson].”
Carroll later clarified with Seattle’s local media that the Seahawks “aren’t shopping” Wilson, and Schneider added that he wouldn’t be doing his job if he “just blew people off.” None of the calls to begin putting together offers have piqued his interest “to this point.” Just a little more wiggle room there.
Wilson’s initial list of teams for which he would waive his no-trade clause included the Bears (who since drafted Justin Fields), Cowboys (who since re-signed Dak Prescott), Saints and Raiders. The Saints are in salary-cap hell much like the Giants, who became another popular destination for a Wilson trade given the business appeal of New York City to he and his wife, the singer Ciara.
Wilson, 33, has two years and $37 million in salary, plus $10 million in roster bonuses, remaining on his contract.
The Dolphins are out of the Deshaun Watson trade market — if there is one.
“The door is shut on Deshaun Watson,” GM Chris Grier said.
Watson, who didn’t play for the Texans last season after a trade demand and 22 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct, still faces the possibility of criminal charges and/or discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
So, the Dolphins, who were very interested when head coach Brian Flores was at the helm, are moving forward with head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Grier also confirmed an earlier report that he reached out to the Saints about interviewing now-retired coach Sean Payton, who remains under contract, but was denied permission. Grier said he had “no conversations” about trying to lure Tom Brady out of retirement, as he remains under contract with the Buccaneers.
Count out the Eagles on Watson, too.
GM Howie Roseman said “nothing has changed” since he offered a vote of confidence to Jalen Hurts as the starter going into the offseason. The Eagles have three first-round draft picks, which is the kind of trade ammunition it would take to pry away a 26-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback like Watson (legal issues pending).
“We have Jalen Hurts, who’s a 23-year-old quarterback, who led his team to the playoffs, and he’s going to get better and better and better,” Roseman said. “He’s going to do everything possible to get better, and we have to do our part in that.”
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