Dunlap: Russell Wilson told me he's here to stay

Before re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks late last month, Carlos Dunlap wanted to know who would quarterback the team in the fall.

So the defensive end went directly to the source and asked Russell Wilson about his future considering the trade speculation surrounding the star passer.

"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 (in 2020)," Dunlap told reporters Tuesday, including Gregg Bell of the News Tribune.

"And he told me he's with us and that he's here to stay. And he said, 'let's go 'Hawks.'"

Dunlap said he paraphrased Wilson's words but understood his intentions following the conversation.

This offseason, Wilson voiced his displeasure with the number of hits he's taken during his nine-year tenure in Seattle and the lack of input he's been afforded on organizational matters. Trade rumors kicked into overdrive when Wilson's agent identified four teams the Pro Bowler would waive his no-trade clause for in a hypothetical deal.

Clubs approached the Seahawks about a trade, but Seattle reportedly rebuffed all offers, including a package of three first-round picks from the Chicago Bears.

Trade talks have died down in recent weeks, with the 2021 NFL Draft approaching.