Russell Wilson: I think it helps to be involved more in personnel

Wild Card Round - Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks
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Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson watched Super Bowl LV from the stands after being named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for the 2020 season, but he’d prefer to be on the field for that game in the future.

He’d also like to have more of a voice in the construction of the roster that the team will try to ride to the game. During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show Tuesday, Wilson was asked if he has much of a voice on that front right now and said “not as much” as he’d like.

Wilson said he thinks those decisions involve the legacy of the team and the player. He said players have a good feel for teammates who love the game and who they can trust, and cited the way the Buccaneers reshaped their roster once they made the move to sign Tom Brady last offseason as an example of how such an approach can work out.

“It think it helps to be involved more. I think that dialogue should happen more often,” Wilson said.

A report on Monday indicated Wilson was particularly unhappy with the team’s pass protection. He took time to compliment teammates like left tackle Duane Brown while saying that it is “important to make sure we do everything we can, including myself” to make sure that there are fewer sacks and disrupted plays because of opposing pass rushes.

The coming weeks will show whether the Seahawks give Wilson more of a voice as he heads into his 10th season. If not, there may be more talk about Wilson heading somewhere with a different way of doing business.

88 responses to “Russell Wilson: I think it helps to be involved more in personnel

  1. Maybe he should drop a few pounds and get his legs back. And not hang on to the ball for an hour and take a 15 yard sack.

    Sacks are more of a QB statistic than an o-line statistic.

  2. Hope Seattle trades him. I’d love it

    Say what you want but he’s pissed me off so many times as a 9ER fan. He’s a stud and I hate even admitting it as a 9ER fan.

    Trade him and do the NFC west a favor. He’s literally held that team up for the past 3-4 years

  3. I’m not sure Russell has a good eye for personnel, for awhile their he claimed that the Seahawks had the best quarterback in the league.

  4. Interesting how Brady goes to Bucs with a number of demands, including having phone numbers of all offensive players, which players should be signed -including problem players like AB-, berating teammates when they don’t play well. Yet thats leadership according to fans.

    Yet Deshaun and Russ only ask to be involved in player acquisition and suggestion of new coach and they are called divas. I wonder why.

  5. If you would have told me that PFT would have so many stories on us Seahawks right before and after the SB I would have been thrilled…..turns out our star qb is frustrated and we have a total psycho is Chad Wheeler on the team.

  6. “He said players have a good feel for teammates who love the game and who they can trust”
    —————–

    And destroy the locker room. How will a player know if he’s being benched for poor play or because he’s not Wilson’s “buddy”?

    Sorry, but I wouldn’t want my job to be on the line based on another EMPLOYEE’S perception of me or their “feeling”.

  7. A big Seahawks fan, but Russ holds the ball way too long. Asking any offensive line to block for 5 seconds is a tall task. Russ should have noticed that TB12 gets the ball out as fast.

  8. I listened to the interview. Context means something here. I like DP….but he literally beat those words out of Russell. He was trying to give a very political correct and respectful answer, and DP raised his voice, cut off Russell and made him answer differently.

    I was actually quite surprised by the tone and tactic of DP. Not usually his style.

    But he wanted a soundbite, wasn’t getting it….and made sure to get it.

  9. Now the players want to be armchair GM’s?? If guys like Wilson/Watson want to help shape the roster they should do what Brady has done his whole career: Stop demanding to be paid too dollar, thereby allowing your GM to build depth around you.

    Watch the Chiefs over the next few years now that they’ve broken the bank for Mahomes/Hill/Kelce. The salary cap is unforgiving to those teams that “go all in” and whiff. Just ask the Rams.

  10. Jeez.
    Ill never understand what possesses these prima donna QB’s into thinking they can make good decisions in personnel/choosing coaches.

  11. I remember the days when coaches coached, players played and GM’s GMed and everyone focused on being the best at their day job instead of trying to do someone else’s. Coincidentally the product was a lot better back then.

  12. Given John & Pete’s past record of drafting O-linemen over Russ’s career, I don’t have much hope for a new contract.

    Please change your draft calculus guys.

  13. Amazing how once you get paid lots of money you start flapping your jaws like you run the team.

  14. 👆👆👆👊👊

    Before it was GO HAWKS!!!

    Then it was LET RUSS COOK

    Now its he’s a bum. Trade him

    Warren moon, dan McGwire and Dave Krieger days await you 2012’s if he leaves. Thank me for the history lesson later

    I honestly hope Seattle fans get their wish. I’d take him on my team and I’ll pay for Ciara and Russ’s flight here.

  15. . I wonder why.
    ————

    Because they haven’t earned it. I wonder why you think Russ and Watson should be treated the same as a 7 time SB winning QB? Hmmm

  16. An improved O-line would give Russ plenty of time to stand in the pocket and throw picks, instead of having to scramble away from a sack and do the same.

    I’m kidding. He just mostly takes the sacks.

  17. Now the players want to be armchair GM’s?? If guys like Wilson/Watson want to help shape the roster they should do what Brady has done his whole career: Stop demanding to be paid too dollar, thereby allowing your GM to build depth around you.

    Watch the Chiefs over the next few years now that they’ve broken the bank for Mahomes/Hill/Kelce. The salary cap is unforgiving to those teams that “go all in” and whiff.
    =====

    Can’t hear you over Brady leaving New England for money… and with Tampa having gone all in this year.

  18. The NFL does not want to become the NBA. They do not want cliques of players planning to join forces and make superteams while letting the rest of the league rot. Upper-tier players still don’t have a grasp of the salary cap and how to get 53 players under it – no one wants to see 8-10 stars and 43-45 UDFA rookies (because the draft picks are all gone to get those stars) on a team.

  19. sweetness says:
    February 9, 2021 at 11:08 am
    Interesting how Brady goes to Bucs with a number of demands, including having phone numbers of all offensive players, which players should be signed -including problem players like AB-, berating teammates when they don’t play well. Yet thats leadership according to fans.

    Yet Deshaun and Russ only ask to be involved in player acquisition and suggestion of new coach and they are called divas. I wonder why.

    ————————

    I see where you’re going with this: Brady is white and those other guys are black. It is clearly a case of racism. There is no other possible explanation because the situations are identical and we know exactly what is going on inside each of those organizations.

  20. So let’s just rehash the past 6weeks Seattle fan

    Rams eliminated you guys and it was the OC according to Pete but Seattle fans blame Pete and so did players off the record

    Then your GM basically strong arms the franchise by entertaining or leaking other teams are intrested in him

    Now Russ is on the market

    Now its trade Russ he’s not in his lane

    Unbelievable!!! Either way I’m loving your misery

  21. There’s a huge difference between a player giving input on how a teammate meshes in the locker room and what I feel like Mr. Unlimited is eluding to here. You don’t get to have a hand in things like personnel in either the locker room or coaching staff or front office. This is also much different than that Watson is doing because the owner told him he wanted his input, not the other way around. He also shouldn’t have to tell people he’s unhappy with the pass protection, that should just be a given.

  22. I do not like where this is headed. He wants all-reward with no risk? How about this; He can have a say in which players are signed as long as he signs off on their performance thresholds and the compensation for hitting those thresholds comes out of his pay! How about that, Russ?

  23. If you want to be more involved take less money.Realize there is a Salary Cap and you taking a huge chunk of it won’t help.The reason why Brady has been so Successful he always left money on the Table to resign players and pick up free agents.Cant have your cake and eat it too

  24. Warren moon, dan McGwire and Dave Krieger days await you 2012’s if he leaves. Thank me for the history lesson later
    =====

    Warren Moon went to UW, and made his home in Seattle after his career. He’s generally revered here.

    Dave Kreig was 70-49 as the Seahawks starter, took them to the Playoffs 4 times, including a Championship game, and remains in the top 5 in every major franchise passing category.

    These aren’t the examples you are looking for.

  25. Wilson and Mahomes and Rodgers and Reothlisberger are in love with “hero ball”, where the Qb turns every play into a Hail Mary, runs around and just chucks one deep.

    That works sometimes, but it’s hardly a long term strategy for winning titles.

  26. If he wants a say over personnel he should retire and get a job as a scout. He might be able to work his way up to lead scout, perhaps the director of player personnel, and if he’s really good he might become a GM. Then, depending on what team he’s with, he’ll have a lot of influence over personnel.

    Right now he’s a quarterback with diminishing skills. Maybe he should focus on that.

  27. This all depends upon the extent and scope. I can see how QBs generally discuss with coaches those schemes and personnel that favor and enhance their abilities, but participating in specific personnel decisions is way out of most players’ lane.

  28. WOW – Classic display of the tail wagging the dog. This dog should be let out and put in the doghouse – with another team.

  29. Russell Wilson is the core offensive player for the Seattle Seahawks…only fans of other teams want Wilson traded….

  30. Face it

    The players have been gradually heading this way for awhile now and front offices (coaches and GMs)that are not aligned or backed by strong ownership on the franchise’s stance will suffer

    Example belichick is backed by Kraft. Rooney backs Tomlin.

    Seattle’s own GM was leaking that he had offers from another organization and basically forcing a GM trade/resignation or extension

    Pete is on his 3rd OC in 4yrs I think. If he doesn’t succeed this season he’s done.

    Russ saw the opening and is now forcing his hand on decision’s or forcing a trade.

    Wake up and smell the Starbucks Seattle

  31. “Let Russ cook! Let Russ cook!”

    -Yikes, that turned out pretty nasty.

    “Let Russ shop for the ingredients! Let Russ shop for the ingredients!”

  32. nydre4, “chasing after titles” is literally what Deion Sanders did throughout most of his career.
    As a free agent, he would specifically and publicly offer his services to teams with the highest odds of winning the next Super Bowl, already had all of the pieces in place, before he set foot in their locker room.

    As to Wilson, what quarterback doesn’t want — and on some level have — a say in who is catching his passes and protecting him?
    Everyone is expected to adapt to the QB’s style and pace, not vice versa, and they all have preferred receivers and RBs with whom they have the best chemistry.

    If he’s trying to run the defense and special teams, of course he needs to stay in his lane.

    If it’s guys whose job directly affects his on the field, this seems like the player answering a football question with how it works in football games and people inferring all sorts of ego and drama as if he’s calling press conferences and campaigning for general manager.

  33. sweetness says:
    February 9, 2021 at 11:08 am
    Interesting how Brady goes to Bucs with a number of demands, including having phone numbers of all offensive players, which players should be signed -including problem players like AB-, berating teammates when they don’t play well. Yet thats leadership according to fans.

    Yet Deshaun and Russ only ask to be involved in player acquisition and suggestion of new coach and they are called divas. I wonder why.

    ——————

    One of those players you mentioned just won his seventh Super Bowl. And his fifth Super Bowl MVP. One of those players has three more rings than the entire Manning family put together. Even if he only had three rings, that’s still two more than Deshaun and Russ put together

    I didn’t name that player, but I don’t have to. Let’s call him Mister X to take all bias out of it. You just read (some of) Mister X’s accolades. Now tell me, are you honesty surprised that Mister X has more clout than Deshaun and Russ? Remember, we’re being color blind right now. Imagine Mister X as a Black man if you prefer. We’re going off of irrefutable stats alone, so physical appearance should mean nothing

  34. Picking personnel, ummm no. Close work with and input in game planning with offensive coordinator and head coach, absolutely.

  35. @Aaron’s

    Dave Krieg is only relevant because the legendary Derrick Thomas set the nfl game sack record at his expense.

    The only names that REAL nfl fans knew out of Seattle before Russell wilson walked in that building were walter Thomas cortez Kennedy, chris warren and steve largent and let’s be honest. Most only know largent.

    You and I both know that the brock huard days would be around the corner if you guys trade him. Unless your selling the farm for some QB in a trade. If so good luck and because he’d likely be on IR by week 4

  36. The only names that REAL nfl fans knew out of Seattle before Russell wilson walked in that building were walter Thomas cortez Kennedy, chris warren and steve largent and let’s be honest. Most only know largent.
    =====

    Walter Thomas?

    You can’t even name a guy that has a case as the greatest LT of all-time?

  37. sweetness says:
    February 9, 2021 at 11:08 am
    Interesting how Brady goes to Bucs with a number of demands, including having phone numbers of all offensive players, which players should be signed -including problem players like AB-, berating teammates when they don’t play well. Yet thats leadership according to fans.

    Yet Deshaun and Russ only ask to be involved in player acquisition and suggestion of new coach and they are called divas. I wonder why.
    ————————————————————————————–
    Easy answer . Brady had won 6 SBs in a and was a free agent so he had every right to ask for whatever he wanted . As for yelling at teammates it’s called respect which is earned on the field not in the media . Watson just signed a big money long term deal even after the owner made a comment about not letting the inmates run the asylum when talking about social justice. He signed his deal after the Texans hired Easterby , a guy who had zero experience running a team . He signed his deal because he wanted money not control . If he wanted control he should have asked for it BEFORE he signed his new deal . Wilson signed his new deal willingly in 2019 taking a large chunk of the salary cap going forward but didn’t care about the limits it placed on who the Seahawks would be able to add . Wilson never said a word about having control then but now he played poorly the second half of the season so now he needs to give input . Should have thought about that BEFORE he decided to sign a cap busting deal .Point being Brady earned the right to ask for control by signing short term deals so he could control his future . Watson and Wilson chose to sign long term deals for bigger money so they have nobody to blame for now not having the input and control they want . Hope you can put your innuendo aside and understand all three players earned the right to put themselves in their current situations but Brady made the better decision , the only reason he was able to get what he wanted before signing his contract not asking for it after .

  38. He should demand a trade. No way the Seahawks can build a championship team around him.

  39. Overjoyed that the sports media decided to make 2021 the year we (finally) stamp out QB cruelty. How have we lowly, unenlightened fans failed to set our meaningless problems aside and start looking out for the poor, pitiable NFL quarterbacks? The growth I’ve personally experienced in reading these multiple articles per day about the heart wrenching plight and injustice of guys just wanting to make 10-30 million dollars per season not universally being afforded executive ands personnel management privileges by their respective employers. How can this stand? You want to dabble in scouting and player analysis? Sure, knock yourself out. Want to take a swing at preparing are corporate taxes, too? And if it works with Tom Brady, surely it will work with absolutely any QB, right?

  40. nydre4, “chasing after titles” is literally what Deion Sanders did throughout most of his career
    =====

    He had no intention of leaving the 9ers. But they didn’t offer him a deal.

    Dallas was as much about money as it was about Rings. The Cowboys cut their entire practice squad just to fit him under the cap.

    Danny Snyder also paid an absurd amount of money for a declining player.

  41. @Aaron’s

    Point proven bruh!!! Nobody remembers your HOFr because their talents were wasted in Seattle. You guys were known more for Brian Bosworth before Wilson and Sherman showed up.

    Miss me with your crazy thoughts of the Seahawks being some gold standard recognizable franchise. Hell the Browns and Washington football team are more historic and recognized then your team.

  42. If everyone else on the internet thinks they can be a doctor or a lawyer, why cant Wilson think he can be a GM?

  43. Watson and Wilson=1 Super Bowl win
    Brady=7 Super Bowl wins
    Nuff said. You gotta earn your right to make demands. Plus I love the comment about how Wilson is a bad judge of football talent, he thought he was an above average QB. Now that was funny

  44. Hell the Browns and Washington football team are more historic and recognized then your team.
    =====

    Yeah, I would think so, considering the 2 teams have 13 Championships between them.

  45. Dan Patrick is the sleaziest & creepiest person in sports media. He asks questions designed to produce sound bites & controversy. It’s almost as if he tries to get someone in hot water for their responses.
    I just don’t like that dude. I don’t know why athletes go on his show.

  46. I have always wondered to what extent GMs ask players on the team about available players. First guy I would ask about an NT or DT would be my centers and guards, etc.

  47. This is a bit of a hit piece. Go back and listen to the interview with DP and see how this quote was badgered out of him. Context is everything.

  48. Not your job Russ, I like you but stay in your lane. You are overpaid too many millions to play QB. That is it, so play QB.

  49. Dan Patrick is the sleaziest & creepiest person in sports media.
    =====

    Jim Gray would like a word with you.

    .. as would Skip Brainless

  50. Again, like yesterday, when you have 6 rings in 9 Super Bowls you get the earnest privilege of calling a few shots on a team. When you are a 4 win QB, or you have one ring your Defense carried you to? You don’t get the same clout as Tom Brady.

  51. aarons444 says:
    February 9, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    Dan Patrick is the sleaziest & creepiest person in sports media.
    —————————————————————————
    Rob Parker has long since sewn up this title.

  52. Instead of the draft and free agency just line up all the QBs and have them one by one pick their whole team….just like we did in elementary school…

  53. Tom Brady didn’t have any input in the Bucs’ roster. Guys like Gronk and Antonio Brown were wanted by several teams, but they chose Tampa because of Brady. It’s not like Brady went in and over-ruled the personnel guys.

  54. Dan Patrick is the sleaziest & creepiest person in sports media.
    —————————————————————————
    Rob Parker has long since sewn up this title.
    ————————-
    Papa Joe Chevalier has a crown that no one else is fit to wear. This guy was off the chain.

  55. Now everyone thinks they’re Tom Brady lol. Even Brady did not ask for or speak about this, these young dudes don’t learn though. Hey Russ, another way you can help out is to not eat up the team’s salary cap.

  56. Not surprising. Russ has always been a “me me me me me” guy. He wants everything. Behind all his smiles and his nice guy image, he’s just a “Me” guy. I can’t believe the Seahawks are putting up with all this.

  57. A big Seahawks fan, but Russ holds the ball way too long. Asking any offensive line to block for 5 seconds is a tall task. Russ should have noticed that TB12 gets the ball out as fast.
    ————————————————————————————-
    But isn’t that typically because WRs are not consistently getting open along with bland play calling? Russ has suffered from the loss of a dominant defense and the departure of Marshawn Lynch. I think any QB would suffer from that…I am not a seachickens fan at all, but Brady looked pretty basic his last year in NE. Its amazing what a good defense, OLINE, running game and consistent WR play can do for QB.

  58. ohmy says:
    February 9, 2021 at 3:47 pm
    You’re an employee, nothing more.
    Put your mind on hold and do what you’re told.
    Shu-up.
    ————————-

    He is more than “just an employee.” He is currently that company’s most valuable asset, not some janitor.

    Should he be picking the players? No, but he didn’t say that. A wise GM would get his input on the types of receivers, oline men, etc., that he thinks he could perform well with.

    You’re paying his body and mind millions to make plays. Demanding that he out his mind on hold would be incredibly stupid.

  59. If you let Wilson have some say, Seattle better not bungle the situation like McNair did in Houston with Watson. Have the courtesy to hear him out and when you don’t choose his preferred players, call a meeting and tell him to his face that you decided on another player. That’s the right thing to do…or you don’t give him say and avoid the situation all together.

  60. RW is a good dude. But he is no Tom
    Brady. His narcisssim is effecting his decision making he may be the third best qb in his division now, and might want to accomplish a bit more before making comparisons of himself to Brady.

  61. So here we have another QB/GM who wants all the money he can get! However if the team has not practiced good salary cap managing then due partially or entirely to paying Russell huge quarterback money what happens? Russell has trouble throwing the ball on his back!

  62. Tom Brady didn’t have any input in the Bucs’ roster. Guys like Gronk and Antonio Brown were wanted by several teams,
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Except he went to BA and demanded they both be brought in. And NOBODY else was looking at either. Other than that you are 100% correct.

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