Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks.
Our staff at Pacific Northwest Sports is much like any other group of 12’s. We all saw the article Ian Rappaport wrote Sunday on NFL.com about Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson wanting to “explore his options this offseason.” And just like you, we chatted (and chatted) about it. After kicking it around all day, I asked our staff:
Let’s tighten this up. 1) Where is the best fit for Russ outside of Seattle? 2) Who can make the best deal for Russ? 2a) What is it? 3) Who replaces Russ if he is traded? 4) Looking at the above, Does Russ get traded?
While the conversation didn’t always stay on topic, there were some interesting answers. We didn’t agree on everything, we, more than likely, came to the same conclusions you did on the main point. Joining me in the chat are our Seahawks writers Joe Swenson, Andrew Elderbaum, Clint Prasky, and Chris Phillips. Let’s take a look.
No (he doesn’t get traded). No one has enough leverage to put together a trade for Russ. With that, if he does get traded, he would have a say in where so again, that makes it hard.
Eagles and Jets have draft capital, but he’s not interested in those places. Plus, they have young quarterbacks that would get a massive upgrade at wide receiver with Lockett and Metcalf.
The other big piece is that Seattle doesn’t get a serviceable replacement. The 2022 NFL Draft is junk for quarterbacks. That means the Seahawks could really struggle. But 2023 is looking like a good QB class. In the end, though, he doesn’t get traded.
The best deal would be from Denver; if they offered #9, #40, and a first-round pick next year. Denver is also arguably the best fit. His replacement would be a free agent (I’d go, Jameis Winston, but Pete is more likely to look at someone like Tyrod Taylor). And No, he does not get traded.
I’d make one caveat; if Pete Carroll and John Schneider fall in love with a prospect (like they did with Wilson), they might consider a deal. But I don’t see it in this draft.
There is only way Russ leaves this offseason, that’s if he forces it. I’ve seen the lip service this week, but really what is he supposed to say? Is he just supposed to say yes, I want out of here, and I can’t wait until this game is over?
The New York Giants have the most assets to send back to Seattle. Indianapolis, however, is the best fit. They have a roster that is ready to win now.
I’m more worried about why our DC (Ken Norton Jr.) still has a job.
The Seattle Seahawks’ best deal would be from Denver if they offered #9, #40, and a first-round pick next year. They are the best fit for him. Denver has a good bunch of wide receivers. Don’t rule out the possibility of the Seahawks asking for one in return, considering Dee Eskridge didn’t show anything, and Tyler Lockett could leave if Russ does too.
I’m going to change my answer on the best fit. I have no idea how Indy could actually land RW3, but he’d have all the ingredients he needs to succeed (best running back and O-Line in the league, a big reliable wide receiver, and a tough defense), and Russ can win his first MVP.
Wilson’s replacement would be a free agent, or if they get an extra receiver like I said, maybe they’re able to ship one or two to New Orleans for Taysom Hill.
Yes, he does get traded. Too many instances of him saying he wants out without saying he wants out, so he can still look good publicly. I also wouldn’t rule out an Aaron Rodgers-type situation with Russ in Seattle, as well.
I believe if they made the proposed Denver deal, Schneider would use the picks to sure up the cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line positions shoot for a new legion of boom. The Seahawks get everything in place before grabbing the QB to take it over the top.
Exercising executive privilege, I get the last word.
Wilson’s best fit is probably Denver, but the New York Giants can make the best deal. They send Daniel Jones, #10 this year, a third-round (from MIA) pick, and a fifth-round (from K.C.) pick for Russ. Despite the endorsement opportunities in the country’s biggest media market, it’s hard to see Russ accepting a trade to New York. He’d be running for his life on most pass plays because Big Blue has a worse offensive line than Seattle does.
I can also see Cleveland making a play for Russ. But the Browns don’t have the assets unless they take out a hefty mortgage on the franchise’s future.
Jones and Baker Mayfield are interesting options to lead the Seattle Seahawks. After careful thought, I wouldn’t take either of them. Also, there are no free agent quarterbacks worth pursuing, and this QB class isn’t very good. No, Russ doesn’t get traded.
If the Seattle Seahawks were to trade Wilson, our consensus is Denver is both a good fit and has the draft picks to make a deal. Yet four out of the five of us think RW3 stays put in the Emerald City. One of the biggest reasons being there isn’t a decent enough replacement in free agency or the draft to replace him.
I’ll bet12’s had many of the same discussions about the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson. You probably brought up similar points at your workplace today as we did.