The Facts: Wilson was formally introduced today as the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos, and he said he wants to do what John Elway and Peyton Manning have done: Win a Super Bowl as the Broncos’ starting quarterback. “There’s been amazing players here in this organization, some of the greatest of all time. I know John Elway is in the back. I used to watch him when I was a young kid, and my dad used to show me clips of him making plays. He was the epitome of a two-sport athlete. Peyton Manning, arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time,” Wilson said.

Diehards Line: Wilson said in his press conference from Denver that it was a “mutual” decision to pursue a trade between him the Seahawks. A release from Seattle announcing the trade sent a different message, however. Seahawks chair Jody Allen said in a statement that “Russell made it clear he wanted this change” and that she “looks forward to welcoming our new players and to everyone being fully engaged.” GM John Schneider said that “it became evident that Russell was interested in playing elsewhere” as the team discussed future plans with him and HC Pete Carroll sent a similar message. Broncos GM George Paton said in Wednesday’s press conference that a “month of negotiations” preceded the agreement on a trade, so the Seahawks were open to a trade even as Carroll said it was not something they intended to do this offseason. Whatever the machinations that went on in Seattle, the end result is that both they and the Broncos are walking into new eras in 2022.