As the Seahawks play for No. 1, former stars like Russell Wilson are fading, highlighting a stark NFL contrast. 

Seattle's current team fights for the NFC's top seed Saturday in San Francisco.

 Meanwhile, franchise icons Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll, and Tyler Lockett confront profound career uncertainty as the season concludes.

Wilson, Carroll, Lockett Confront Career Crossroads

The Seahawks control their playoff destiny. A win secures the #1 seed and home-field advantage. 

This pivotal game represents the franchise's most important contest in years. The entire organization focuses solely on this championship opportunity.

Conversely, former stars face unclear futures.

 Russell Wilson is a free agent after ineffective stints in Denver and New York. 

He now likely seeks a backup role, a dramatic shift for the former Super Bowl quarterback. 

Pete Carroll's storied coaching career may end after a disappointing season with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Tyler Lockett, also with the Raiders, sees his production decline sharply as he enters free agency. 

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This trio's potential underscores the NFL's relentless and often unceremonious transition from Past glory to present ambition.

Seahawks' New Era Validates Tough Decisions

Seattle's success stems from decisively moving on from its legendary past. 

The organization built a new identity under GM John Schneider and Coach Mike Macdonald. 

This forward-focused strategy now pays clear dividends, positioning the team for a deep playoff run. 

However, it also creates a poignant narrative where the architects and stars of the team's greatest achievements now watch the new quest from the sidelines, their own professional endings not yet written.

Source Information:

This analysis is based on the original reporting by The Seattle Times, which detailed the Seahawks' pivotal weekend and the reflective state of former franchise icons. 

You can read their full report here: As Seahawks play for No. 1, former stars like Russell Wilson are fading. Additional player status and transaction context were corroborated through ESPN's official NFL coverage.