Why Russell Wilson Might Have Kept His No Trade Clause, Even As Eagles Seem Equally Talented
Players have preferences, and these often go beyond the financial aspects or the relative talent levels of the teams they might join. Russell Wilson's decision not to waive his no trade clause for a move to the Philadelphia Eagles, despite them seemingly being as talented as the Denver Broncos, is a case in point.
High Stress in Philly, or Something else?
Moving to Philadelphia might have been perceived as ‘high stress’ by some, even compared to other teams. Carson Wentz's send-off from the Philadelphia Eagles, in particular, was notably challenging. While some of Wentz’s poor behavior contributed to his difficult farewell, fans from other cities have shared that the Eagles' treatment of their players can also be taxing.
For instance, it’s less extensive than what Wentz faced, but the departure from Indianapolis garnered significant media attention. Fans' emotions can dramatically influence a player's decision, and stress levels at the growing pains of a football club like the Eagles could have played a role.
Cap Space and Team Talent
The Eagles, unlike the Broncos, lack significant cap space. This makes negotiating a deal more challenging, especially considering that the Seahawks (Seattle) were eager to trade him to a non-NFC team, and the Broncos are a closer rival in terms of talent. The Seahawks preferred trades to NFC opponents, maintaining some geographical and divisional competition.
Divisional Challenges vs. Reliability
One significant advantage the Broncos have is their divisional strength. The AFC West is more formidable compared to the NFC East. Playing against the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders twice a year could be a daunting task, but the Eagles' schedule in 2022 was relatively easier, with games against the AFC South and NFC North, as well as the weakened Steelers and Saints.
Defensive Standoffs
The defensive stats of both teams suggest a close balance, but the opponent's strength matters. The Eagles faced some of the league's top quarterbacks (Mahomes, Herbert, Carr) the previous season, surrendering more points. In contrast, most of the Eagles' 2021 wins came against lower-tier competition.
Offensive Strategies and Depth
Offensively, the Eagles' approach in 2022 was run-heavy, not necessarily by design but because of the struggling passing game. The quarterback, Jalen Hurts, faced significant challenges, both from the coaching staff and catch rates. The Eagles' receiving corps had inconsistent performances, with notable drops from Goedert. Meanwhile, the Broncos boasted a more formidable receiving corps, bolstered by an offensive coordinator with experience from Aaron Rodgers' time in Green Bay.
The Future Seen in the AFC West
The move to the AFC West in the Eagles would present a new set of challenges, potentially similar to what Wilson faced in the NFC West. But with the Broncos' younger player pool and fewer nearing the end of their careers, there is an argument that the Eagles would face a more difficult journey to the playoffs and ultimately, winning games.
Conclusion: Attraction to the In-division Rivalry
The Broncos, despite their divisional strength, are an attractive option due to their geography and in-division rivalry. However, the Eagles' more stable division (NFC East) and run-first strategy in 2022 might be a better fit for Wilson's long-term goals. Playing in a stronger division like the AFC West could provide him with the opportunity to achieve more in the playoffs, potentially leading to a Super Bowl berth if things align right.