Ex-Browns HC Jackson calls Wilson 2018 trade rumor 'crazy'

Hue Jackson insisted Friday that the Cleveland Browns never spoke to the Seattle Seahawks about trading for Russell Wilson in 2018.

It was reported Thursday that Cleveland entertained the idea of exchanging its first overall pick in the draft for Seattle's star quarterback. Jackson, who served as the Browns' head coach at the time, isn't buying it.

"I've never heard anything so crazy in my life," Jackson told CBS Sports Radio's Zach Gelb.

The Browns wound up selecting quarterback Baker Mayfield at No. 1. They also had the fourth overall pick, which they used on cornerback Denzel Ward.

Jackson said he laughed when he came across the Wilson rumor. "I would think as the head coach I would at least have known something."

The alleged trade talks took place a year before Wilson signed a record four-year, $140-million extension with the Seahawks. He negotiated a no-trade clause into the contract, reportedly after learning of the trade chatter.

"I know, without question, that wasn't the case," Jackson said. "Unless, like I said, somebody overheard (the respective general managers) maybe having a few drinks and laughing and talking and just throwing stuff out, being boys. That's what we do every now and then. But that never was in our building, that was never said, and I never heard that before in my life."

Jackson was fired eight games into the 2018 season. He was out of the NFL in 2019.

Copyright (C) 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.