The Philadelphia Eagles' season ended with a loss in the Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs. But it could have been a completely different season for them. All because Russell Wilson almost ended up playing in Philadelphia, according to multiple sources.
One of these sources is Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop. In a recent appearance on Seattle Sports, Bishop revealed that Russell Wilson nixed a deal with the Eagles before signing with the Denver Broncos. At the time he was still a Seattle Seahawks player.
“I think the Eagles really wanted him,” Bishop said. “I think they liked his style of play, I think that makes sense, right? It’s similar to Jalen Hurts. Especially when he was in his prime and a little bit faster, I think, than now. And, yeah, my understanding at that time is that Russ wanted to stay here and then ultimately that’s not what happened.”
According to Bishop, the trade was on the table and the parts were about to sign it. However, despite Philadelphia “really wanting” Russell Wilson, the QB refused to waive a no-trade clause. This impasse blew the agreement and the Eagles gave up the idea.
One year later, after losing the Super Bowl (but making an appearance on the big final), Philly signed Jalen Hurts the biggest NFL contract ever, which was later beaten by Lamar Jackson’s new deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Other sources
Another reporter to mention the possibility of Russell Wilson going to the Eagles was Ian Rapoport. NFL Network’s insider said, back in April, that he was “pretty convinced” that the Eagles or the Commanders would pursue Russell Wilson.
Finally, in March 2022, Jake Heaps, Russell's quarterback coach, told Denver’s KOA that joining the Broncos was the player’s “clear-cut, number one choice, over Washington’s and Philly’s offers.”
