Seattle Seahawks veteran Carlos Dunlap said star quarterback Russell Wilson is "here to stay" amid speculation over his future with the NFL franchise.
Wilson reportedly provided the Seahawks with a list of teams to whom he would accept a trade this offseason – the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders – while the Philadelphia Eagles continue to be linked.
At the end of last season, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback and eight-time Pro Bowler voiced his frustration over the number of hits he had received and spoke of wanting a greater say in team affairs.
Seahawks team-mate and defensive end Dunlap said he sought assurances that Wilson would still be in Seattle before re-signing.
Grateful for another opportunity. @Carlos_Dunlap can't wait to be back with the @12s! pic.twitter.com/G0nLA9Q9yf
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 6, 2021
"I did ask him if, obviously, he was going to be with us, because if I'm coming back, I'm coming back because I see him as my quarterback, and the rest of the team, I want to pick up where we left off," Dunlap told reporters on Tuesday.
"And he told me he's with us and he's here to stay, and he said, 'Let's go, Hawks.' I'm not going to quote his every word.
"These words are not his words verbatim, but these are my explanation of how I interpreted what he said."
Wilson signed a four-year, $140million extension in April 2019 that includes a no-trade clause which needs to be waived for a deal to take place.
The Seahawks finished as division champions but were stunned by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL play-offs.
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