How Russell Wilson Helped Seattle Seahawks Build Super Bowl LX Roster

The Seahawks' trade of Wilson to the Broncos paid big dividends in the draft picks that led to key players on their current Super Bowl team.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While Russell Wilson hasn't been with the Seattle Seahawks since 2021, he played a big role in the team's ability to build its current Super Bowl roster. The trade that sent Wilson to the Denver Broncos in 2022 netted the Seahawks several high draft picks, which they used to select key players like left tackle Charles Cross, linebacker Boye Mafe, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and linebacker Derick Hall - all of whom have contributed to the Seahawks' return to the Super Bowl this season.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' ability to turn the Wilson trade into an influx of high draft picks that yielded impactful players has been a major factor in their quick turnaround and return to the Super Bowl just a few years after Wilson's departure. This demonstrates the value of making the most of trade assets and the draft to rebuild a roster.

The details

The Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for two first-round picks (2022 and 2023), two second-round picks (2022 and 2023), and a 2022 fifth-rounder. Seattle then used those selections to draft left tackle Charles Cross, linebacker Boye Mafe, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and linebacker Derick Hall - all of whom have played key roles in the Seahawks' Super Bowl run this season.

  • In 2022, the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos.
  • With the draft picks acquired in the Wilson trade, the Seahawks selected Charles Cross, Boye Mafe, Devon Witherspoon, and Derick Hall between 2022 and 2023.

The players

Russell Wilson

Former quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

Charles Cross

Left tackle drafted by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft using a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade.

Boye Mafe

Linebacker drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft using a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade.

Devon Witherspoon

Cornerback drafted by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft using a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade.

Derick Hall

Linebacker drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft using a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While Hall and Mafe have fallen out of favor in recent years, both players have had a productive season or two in Seattle and are key depth pieces on this year's team.”

— Mike Moraitis, Author (sportingnews.com)

“Cross has become the franchise left tackle for the Seahawks and recently earned himself a big extension. Meanwhile, Witherspoon is one of the Seahawks' best defender and has played a huge role in Seattle's elite unit.”

— Mike Moraitis, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' ability to turn the Russell Wilson trade into an influx of high draft picks that yielded impactful players has been a major factor in their quick turnaround and return to the Super Bowl just a few years after Wilson's departure, demonstrating the value of making the most of trade assets and the draft to rebuild a roster.