Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks.
This winter, the relationship between the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson had an enormous strain put on it. No need to rehash what was said and happened between the two. Let’s just say Wilson let his displeasure be known (very) publicly.
It was just the first domino that leads to the best quarterback in Seahawks history finishing his playing career in a different jersey. Up until then, it appeared Wilson was a steadfast company man. Now we know Russ is his own man.
I know this isn’t what 12’s want to hear. It is, however, something that they all need to start at least accepting. Russ let everyone know that he is tired of taking so many hits. His 394 total sacks rank 20th all-time in the NFL. There are only five active quarterbacks who have gone down more; Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Smith, and Matt Ryan.
Wilson’s yearly average of 44 sacks will move him up the list in a hurry. For example, if RW3 gets sacked at his annual average in 2022, he’ll be just outside the top 10 next year (14). To say he’s been hit far too many times is an understatement. There are other issues, such as being more involved in personnel decisions.
For their part, the Seattle Seahawks organization acts like they understand and has gone out of its way to let Wilson know they heard him. Head Coach Pete Carroll is working hard to repair the relationship with Russ. So is Schneider. Some of Wilson’s concerns have been addressed already. At this point, it may be too little, too late.
The two main reasons for RW3’s displeasure are the lack of protection and the modernization of the offense. Russ wants to play more of a pass-first or pass-friendly offense. With the Seahawks duo of wide receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf at Russ’ disposal; understandably, he wants to get the ball in their hands.
As the phrase goes, Russ wants to cook. Too many times, he’s gets locked out of the kitchen by restaurant owner Carroll. The NFL has transitioned toward pass-first, open offenses. RW3 wants his opportunity to play in that type of system. Will new OC Shane Waldron’s offense be able to keep Wilson happy?
So far, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider has been able to get by without investing heavy resources into the offensive line. That was due to Seattle’s offensive philosophy combined with Russ’ athletic ability.
Wilson can still scramble away from defenders to buy time or pick up yards. But at 32, it’s not what it once was. Therefore, Schneider needs to stop shopping at Dollar Tree for offensive line help.
To the GM’s credit, he’s made some good moves this offseason. Schneider re-signed starting center Ethan Pocic as well as depth pieces Cedric Ogbuehi and Jordan Simmons. Schneider’s biggest move to upgrade the O-line is trading a fifth-round pick to Las Vegas for guard Gabe Jackson.
The trio of Pocic, Jackson, and Damien Lewis gives Russ some much-needed interior protection. This is especially important when facing Aaron Donald with the Rams twice a season.
But there is still room for improvement. The division’s defensive lineman will be better in 2021 than it was in 2020. Nick Bosa returns healthy for the 49ers. The Rams retained Leonard Floyd as an edge rusher to compliment Donald. Finally, the Cardinals get Chandler Jones back from injury and pair him with recent acquisition JJ Watt.
The Chicago Bears made a hard push to acquire Russ. The rumored offer Schneider turned down was three first-round picks, a third-round pick in 2021, and “two starters.” The reported starters were defensive end Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. We probably won’t know whether all of that is true, but most of it likely is.
If true, that’s a package Schneider turned down. Yes, the offense would take a step back, but the defense with Mack and Hicks up front, Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks behind them, and a starting secondary with Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs would be dominating. On paper, that defense is better than the Legion of Boom.
But if anyone thinks the Bears are done pursuing Russ, they’re wrong. They see Wilson as the missing piece to a championship team. Expect Chicago to pursue RW3 next winter.
Recent reports have linked the Philadelphia Eagles to Russ. Let’s throw the Saints, too, since Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston are basically on one-year contracts. If neither of those guys can maintain the level of play and winning games present in the Drew Brees era, maybe New Orleans looks to make a deal for Russ. Don’t count the Raiders out either.
So, with all this positivity about the offensive line and a new OC, will Russ still leave?
Because of his contract, it won’t be this year. Wilson would count as $39M in dead money against the cap if the Seahawks trade him before June 1 and $13M afterward. A post-June 1st trade doesn’t work for this tear because the draft is already over. But 2022 is a different story. Wilson’s departure after the 2021 season just makes more sense. Sorry 12’s, but this might be the last year Russ plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
What do you think about Russell Wilson finishing his career someplace other than Seattle? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.