We’re only two weeks removed from the Super Bowl, and yet so much has already changed. The Rams traded for Matt Stafford, the Colts acquired Carson Wentz, and Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston. With numerous teams still expected to make quarterback moves, none seem bigger than what might happen with the Seahawks. After Russell Wilson aired his grievances on Seattle’s offensive issues, teams started keeping tabs on Wilson’s availability. Reportedly, the asking price for Wilson starts with three first-round picks.
The @Seahawks are staying quiet in the wake of Russell Wilson’s recent comments… but that isn’t stopping teams from calling to see if he’s available… @nflnetwork @AndrewSiciliano pic.twitter.com/Xs3Xwp6A2L
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 22, 2021
We all know by now that the Seahawks 2020 season didn’t go according to plan. After starting on fire, the Seahawks appeared to limp their way to a 12-4 record. After a mid-season change in offensive philosophy, Russell Wilson and the entire offense looked painful. This past season’s struggles have garnered Wilson a mountain of criticism. But let’s be clear, if the Seahawks were to trade Russell Wilson, it would be the biggest mistake in the franchise’s history.
Russell Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and all his stats back it up. His efficiency, his win total, and his raw numbers are among the best all-time. If Wilson were to retire today, he’d have the fourth-best passer rating in NFL history and the third-best touchdown to interception ratio. Any team that has Russell Wilson as their quarterback (including the Seahawks) are instant contenders. So with that being said, assuming salary cap isn’t an issue, here are three teams that should target Russell Wilson.
Who Should Trade for Wilson?
Miami Dolphins: It’s pretty obvious at this point that the Miami Dolphins are not sold on Tua as their starter. Not only was he benched twice during the season, but numerous reports indicate that they’re interested in Deshaun Watson. If the Dolphins are interested in Deshaun Watson, they should also join the Russell Wilson sweepstakes. I believe that if the Dolphins parted ways with Tua and their two first-round picks, they could acquire Wilson. In doing so, Russell Wilson would join a 10-6 team with a strong culture, great leadership, and cap space.
From Seattle’s point of view, they’d get a top-five pick and a quarterback who was once described as a left-handed Russell Wilson. Pete Carroll would have cap space to fix their defense and could go back to endlessly running the football.
New Orleans Saints: With Drew Brees’s impending retirement, it looks as if the Saints will turn to Jameis Winston. Taysom Hill was a fun idea, but at age 30, he’s a very limited thrower. The last time we saw Jameis as a starter, he threw 5,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. He gave a whole new meaning to 30for30. Rightfully so, Jameis Winston deserves another shot at being a starter, but if the Saints could snag Russell Wilson, you do it.
In many ways, Russell Wilson is like Drew Brees. They were picked outside the first round, are similar in height, and at their peaks, have identical arm talent. Where Wilson has Brees beat, however, is the mobility element of his game. Though Wilson’s slowed down since being drafted in 2012, he’s still more mobile than Brees ever dreamed of being. If Sean Payton could replace the remains of Drew Brees with Russell Wilson, their offense would be terrifying, and they’d be back in Super Bowl contention.
A Surprise Team
New England Patriots: It goes without saying that the Patriots are desperate for a quarterback. They may bring Cam Newton back another season, but given the glowing praise Bill Belichick has bestowed upon Wilson in the past, it’s not far-fetched to assume that Wilson could be in play. Mobile quarterbacks have always given Bill problems. In the regular season, Russell Wilson is 3-0 against Bill Belichick. So who better than Russell Wilson to lead the next New England dynasty?
Though the Patriots are currently bereft of weapons, they need a quarterback to have any success. New England always has a good offensive line, and until last year, they always have a good defense. Let’s not forget why Russell Wilson is upset with the Seahawks. The Seahawks have refused to build an offense tailored to what Wilson does best, while the Patriots are known for building systems that cater to their player’s strengths. And given Wilson’s no-trade-clause, he can ultimately choose where he wants to be traded.
But Will the Seahawks Trade Wilson?
The likelihood of the Seahawks parting ways with their franchise’s greatest player are about as good as Russell Wilson swearing. It’s possible, but not likely. Russell Wilson is one of the five best quarterbacks in the league currently and is on record saying he wants to play into his 40s. If the Seahawks are smart (which I doubt more and more as the days pass us by), they should do everything in their power to make Wilson happy. It’s not every day you find an all-time great at quarterback in the third round.
Russell Wilson under pressure:
— PFF (@PFF) February 9, 2021
? 123 Big Time Throws
? 79 Passing TDs
Both lead all QBs since 2012 ? pic.twitter.com/16Z1PbBkxA
You can argue some other teams could look to trade for Wilson, but the teams I named would become instant contenders with Wilson at the helm. Three first-round picks is a steep price to pay, but if Jalen Ramsey fetches two, then Wilson is surely worth three or two and a starter. Either way, the Seahawks would be foolish to let him go to another team. But if New England was willing to let Tom Brady walk free, it’s not out of the question for the Seahawks to also make a mistake.
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