Report: Commanders offered haul high pick for Wilson

Washington tried but failed to land Russell Wilson. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Commanders 'offered high picks in the next three drafts' for Russell Wilson

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/8/22

The Washington Commanders struck out in their attempt to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions last winter but were set to go big-game hunting again this offseason. General manager Martin Mayhew admitted last week he had "spoken to every club that has a quarterback who might be available."

Those comments came after one-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller Russell Wilson told NBC’s "TODAY" show he was happy staying with the Seattle Seahawks for at least another season. That, of course, was before reports surfaced Tuesday that Seattle orchestrated a blockbuster trade that involves sending Wilson to the Denver Broncos for multiple draft assets and players.

After news of that deal broke, MMQB's Albert Breer tweeted Washington offered Seattle "high picks in the next three drafts" for Wilson, but the Seahawks preferred to trade him out of the conference.

Washington offered high picks in the next three drafts to the Seahawks for QB Russell Wilson, per sources. But it became apparent to the Commanders that Seattle preferred to trade him out of the NFC.

So Washington's QB hunt continues.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2022

As for Wilson, he seemingly preferred Denver over Washington.

Russell Wilson never pushed for a trade over the last month—instead choosing to let the situation unfold on its own. The Seahawks did work with him, though, and according to one source, Denver was "always his first choice."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2022

Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons explained that Wilson’s contract includes a no-trade clause and, thus, allows him to veto a switch to the Commanders or any other franchise.

While four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers took to Twitter Tuesday afternoon to pour cold water over reported details related to the alleged agreement he made to stay with the Green Bay Packers, the 38-year-old confirmed he's not going anywhere and is "excited to be back." With neither Wilson nor Rodgers available on the trade market, it's unknown what path Washington will next take in its pursuit for an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke.

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