Former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril joined 710 ESPN Seattle’s Wyman and Bob to dive into the tempestuous relationship between the Seattle Seahawks and their longtime quarterback Russell Wilson in what has become somewhat of a trend of former teammates voicing their opinions about the situation.
Avril stated that neither side wants the partnership to end and that he does not believe Wilson will be departing the Emerald City this year.
“I think their whole thing of why they’re not saying anything is I don’t think (either side thought) it was going to be as big of a deal as it (has become),” Avril said. “And it’s kind of one of those things where if you don’t speak on it, it will die down. And I really do believe that. I don’t think either side wants to (end) the marriage, right? I don’t think Russell Wilson is going anywhere this year, I don’t think he’s going anywhere the next couple years if I’m being honest with you.”
All of the recent speculation on Wilson’s future started after his comments about his dissatisfaction with the organization on the Dan Patrick Show, but one could argue that he was merely publicly asking for solid pass protection after a long career of not having it, and Avril seems to think so too.
“He has been sacked quite a few times, but I think it was more of ‘I just need some help up front. I’m not saying the guys I have up front aren’t good enough, but (Mike) Iupati isn’t coming back and you’re losing pieces left and right, so can we get some consistency maybe up front?’” he said. “… Duane Brown has been the staple for the last few years, but who else? I think that’s more of (what the conversation is).”
On coach Pete Carroll and his job security, Avril said that Seattle needs to keep him for the foreseeable future because of his experience and rapport with Wilson.
“I think they both go hand in hand and make each other great,” Avril said of Carroll and his quarterback. “I don’t think letting coach Carroll go and then bringing some other coach in necessarily solves anything (because) that coach has to live up to coach Carroll, and that’s not fair to that coach.”
We will see how the Seahawks’ actions in free agency this year will affect their relationship with Wilson going forward.
