In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks made a startling move by trading away quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. This decision ultimately fueled the construction of a new championship-winning team, culminating four years later in a commanding 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. The draft picks acquired from the Wilson trade proved pivotal in assembling the Seahawks’ latest Super Bowl roster.
Key Players Acquired from the Russell Wilson Trade
The Seahawks’ roster transformation largely resulted from the draft assets obtained from the Broncos in exchange for Wilson. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter highlighted just how integral Wilson was to Seattle’s success, saying,
“Russell Wilson helped Seattle win its first Super Bowl – and had a hand in helping build this team. These are the players the Seahawks selected with the picks they acquired from the Broncos in exchange for Wilson: 🏈LT Charles Cross, 2022 1st-round pick🏈OLB Boye Mafe, 2022…”
Among these key additions was offensive tackle Charles Cross, whose protection of quarterback Sam Darnold was critical. Cross not only safeguarded Darnold but also opened crucial lanes for running back Kenneth Walker III, the Most Valuable Player who powered Seattle’s offense. Meanwhile, defensive standouts Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Devon Witherspoon became instrumental in shutting down opponents during critical moments.
Impact of Defensive Recruits Against the Patriots
The Seahawks’ defensive strength was on full display during the Super Bowl, particularly due to players selected through the Wilson trade. Derick Hall made a decisive play by applying relentless pressure that forced New England quarterback Drake Maye into a costly turnover late in the game. As highlighted by ClutchPoints,
“DRAKE MAYE GETS PICKED OFF 😱 Julian Love takes advantage of a bad throw and the Seahawks take over possession once again 🔥 This Seattle defense is SPECIAL 💪.”
Following this interception, Devon Witherspoon intensified the defense’s dominance by forcing a fumble, which linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned 45 yards for a touchdown.
“THE SEAHAWKS DEFENSE WITH THE DAGGER 🔪 Devon Witherspoon forces Drake Maye to fumble and Uchenna Nwosu takes it back 45 yards for a defensive touchdown 😱,”
noted ClutchPoints.
Boye Mafe also contributed to the defensive pressure, registering a solo tackle and playing a key role in a relentless pass rush that harassed the Patriots’ high-powered offense. This defensive cohesion was further enhanced by the arrival of Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator, whose strategy unlocked the full potential of Hall and Witherspoon. Seattle’s defense tallied an unprecedented six sacks on Maye in the game, setting a new postseason record.
Building a New Legacy through Draft and Coaching
The Seahawks’ ability to identify and develop talent through the draft remains a cornerstone of the franchise. This approach previously uncovered stars like Richard Sherman, Jeremy Lane, Kam Chancellor, and Bobby Wagner, all crucial in Seattle’s first Super Bowl title run. Now, by leveraging their draft capital from the Russell Wilson trade, the front office has unearthed a fresh wave of impactful players.
Head coach Pete Carroll, who previously coached Wilson, played a significant role in shaping the draft strategy that brought these newcomers to Seattle. Combined with Macdonald’s defensive guidance, these efforts have reignited the franchise’s competitive edge, demonstrating resilience despite parting with a former franchise quarterback.
The Wilson trade, initially met with uncertainty and tension, ultimately laid the groundwork for the Seahawks’ recent championship success. Seattle’s front office has shown a commitment to building through the draft and coaching, suggesting the team could sustain its winning trajectory in the coming years by continuing to find and develop talent from within.
Russell Wilson helped Seattle win its first Super Bowl – and had a hand in helping build this team. These are the players the Seahawks selected with the picks they acquired from the Broncos in exchange for Wilson:
🏈LT Charles Cross, 2022 1st-round pick
🏈OLB Boye Mafe, 2022… pic.twitter.com/4croSPskxP— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2026
DRAKE MAYE GETS PICKED OFF 😱
Julian Love takes advantage of a bad throw and the Seahawks take over possession once again 🔥
This Seattle defense is SPECIAL 💪
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 9, 2026
THE SEAHAWKS DEFENSE WITH THE DAGGER 🔪
Devon Witherspoon forces Drake Maye to fumble and Uchenna Nwosu takes it back 45 yards for a defensive touchdown 😱
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 9, 2026
Drake Maye in his first Super Bowl 👀
27/43
295 passing yards
2 TDs
2 INTs
6 sacksHe has been sacked a record 20 times, the most ever in a single postseason. pic.twitter.com/1p3xUAQPHd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 9, 2026
