Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks.
“Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs! Are you kidding me? Playoffs?! I just hope we can win a game.” -Jim Mora. Everyone’s heard that rant. It will take a special set of circumstances to get another head coach so open and candid. Every press conference now is so bland. Every coach and player says the same thing.
But we are going to talk about playoffs. Specifically, the Seattle Seahawks playoff window. How much longer is that playoff window going to stay open? It will remain open as long as Russell Wilson lines up under center. So, no need to worry cause he’s not going anywhere this year, right?
Well, Mr. Wilson decided to throw a huge wrench into the 2021 offseason when he called out his offensive line play and shared his list of desired team destinations if he’s traded. Obviously, if Russ leaves the playoff window for the Seahawks is vastly different. It can immediately slam shut or extended for another decade.
Also, 12s need to be aware that Russ does have an opt-out after the 2023 season. So, Russ can very easily end his tenure with Seattle in a couple of years. Teaser alert, there will be more on this subject to come.
When his contract expires in 2024, Russ will be 36-years-old. At that time, the organization will be at crossroads. Then again, after his recent comments, he may be traded before then. Obviously, the Seattle Seahawks want to keep arguably the best quarterback in the division.
As long as RW3 is on the team, the Seahawks will always be a threat to win the division. See Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Win the division, and the Seattle Seahawks make the playoffs with at least one home game. 12s know how much of an advantage home-field is for Seattle.
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks runs in for a four-yard touchdown against Los Angeles.
Let’s start with some things we know for sure right now. This will be under the premise that players don’t get an extension between now and when their deal ends. This list is the notables for each expiration class from 2022 until 2024.
Salary cap space in Seattle is limited already. After releasing Carlos Dunlap, Seattle is about $17-$18M (18th) under the cap, not including the 2021 draft class and free signings. Regardless, there are plenty of impact players that most likely get extensions. Who those players are and what those numbers look like will be important to shaping future rosters.
At this point, it hard to see the organization moving on from Wilson. His time in Seattle has been fantastic. And with Russ, Lockett, and Metcalf leading the offense, there’s every bit the chance Seattle makes it back to another Super Bowl. Maybe even winning it. So it’s safe to say that the Seattle Seahawks playoff window is open for at least the next several years.
“Not so fast.” -Lee Corso. What if Seattle drafts Russell’s replacement before his current contract is up. Sort of like what Green Bay did with Aaron Rodgers (and Jordan Love). Then what happens?
Here is where things could get interesting. If this future replacement develops and grows as Rodgers did behind Brett Favre. Then maybe Seattle looks to deal or cut RW3 before his 2024 contract expiration. Realistically, the only way Seattle cuts Wilson in a few years is if they need more cap space.
Drafting the heir apparent to Russ will be challenging as Seattle doesn’t have their first-round pick in 2021 and 2022 because of getting Adams. This is not to say they can’t find a franchise QB in Rounds 2 or 3. Remember, Russ was a third-round pick. No one thought he would turn out to be the superstar he became. Seahawks General Manager John Schneider has shown that he’s willing to make an aggressive move if it’s going to benefit the team.
When Wilson’s future replacement takes over, it’s safe to expect the team to take a step back from “Russ standards.” After a year or two, we’ll know if this new QB can reopen the playoff and title contention window or not.
Playing quarterback in the NFL isn’t as easy as RW3 made it look all these years. Additionally, the learning curve is much longer. Most quarterbacks don’t start from game one of their pro career, win a division title in their first year, or win a Super Bowl in the second.
As previously mentioned, there is plenty to consider between now and when a change could happen.
Let’s take the optimistic approach to RW3. It starts with Wilson and the Seahawks patching up their relationship. Once there is solid ground, Russ might even outlast Pete Carroll.
Then we fast forward to 2024 and Russ’s next contract. Russ will more than likely still want to play and play at a great level. Maybe not the elite level he’s currently playing at, but still good enough. There is so much that comes into play with the decision on to give Russ another contract or not. If so, then for how long and how much?
We’ve started to see quarterbacks play at a high level into their 40’s. So, maybe Seattle gives Russ as long as a 4-year extension (with options). This will put Russ at 40 years old. Or maybe the Seahawks decide to take the New Orleans route and sign him to a series of one-year contracts.
For now, there are still three more guaranteed years of Wilson running the offense, which keeps the Seattle Seahawks playoff viable. Finally, if he not only stays in the Emerald City through the end of his contract but extends, the Seahawks window might be open for up to six more years.
How long do you think the Seattle Seahawks playoff window stays open? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.