NFL rumors: Russell Wilson pushed for Antonio Brown before Seahawks claimed Josh Gordon

The Seattle Seahawks still needed to make an upgrade at wide receiver with the NFL trade deadline already having passed, and they even considered signing former All-Pro Antonio Brown before settling on a waiver claim for Josh Gordon.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday the details of the Seahawks' interest in Brown, including Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson's role:

Before they claimed wide receiver Josh Gordon on waivers Friday, the Seattle Seahawks had been doing their due diligence on free-agent receiver Antonio Brown, league sources told ESPN.

Even star quarterback Russell Wilson was pushing the Seahawks to sign Brown before they claimed Gordon, according to sources.

The off-the-field distractions Brown could create for the Seahawks were not worth the headache, so they made the right choice with Gordon.

Gordon, when healthy, was quite effective in the New England Patriots offense with quarterback Tom Brady. The 28-year-old veteran tallied 60 receptions for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games with the Patriots dating back to last season.

His addition is a much-needed one for Seattle, who has relied on talented rookie wideout D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett throughout the first half of the 2019 campaign. Gordon gives Wilson a big, strong receiver who can be a deep threat in the passing attack. Wilson has established himself as a top-tier NFL MVP candidate this season, throwing for 2,127 yards with 17 touchdowns and only one interception entering Week 9.

Seattle's top competition in the NFC might be inside its own division. The San Francisco 49ers are 8-0 and added veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders prior to the trade deadline, and this move already has paid huge dividends. The Seahawks were wise to counter with a wide receiver move of their own, and Gordon was the best option available.