The Seattle Seahawks are going to be without Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson for the foreseeable future, casting doubt on his future with the team.
The Seattle Seahawks may want to start preparing for the possibility of life without Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. The latest rumors have Russ reportedly willing to strongly consider dropping his no-trade clause but only for three specific teams.
Earlier in the year, Wilson suffered an injury just hours after news broke that the NFL star could explore a trade once again after dealing with years of frustration caused by the Seahawks’ front office. With Seattle’s playoff hopes potentially sunk and the franchise headed for uncertainty, a blockbuster trade feels inevitable this offseason.
Let’s examine four trade destinations that would benefit Wilson and the Seahawks, including the three on his reported list.
Denver Broncos land franchise quarterback
The Denver Broncos made a strong effort to land a franchise-caliber quarterback last offseason but came up short. Teddy Bridgewater is a solid stop-gap solution, but he doesn’t do enough to make this team a Super Bowl contender, their record this season reflects that. Enter Wilson, who could join a division loaded at quarterback.
- Denver Broncos trade: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick, 2022 second-round pick (via Rams) 2023 first-round pick, cornerback Ronald Darby, quarterback Drew Lock
- Seattle Seahawks trade: Russell Wilson
In this case, Seattle acquires a young passer to roll the dice on. Lock is unlikely to be an NFL starter, but he could serve as a one-year option to bridge the gap to the Seahawks’ next big investment. More importantly, the Seahawks acquire two first-round picks and a pair of Day 2 picks, ammunition to build out the roster’s depth with inexpensive, young talent.
As for Denver, the rationale is self-explanatory. Wilson in an offense with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant will be among the highest-scoring units in the NFL. Pair that with a strong defense and the Broncos can challenge the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots in 2022.
Russ gets a taste of New Orleans cooking
If the New Orleans Saints are truly on the shortlist of teams Russ would waive his no-trade clause for, they should do everything in their power to bring in the Super Bowl-winning QB. One season without Drew Brees should provide enough evidence. The Saints’ offense simply isn’t the same without an elite quarterback. Not having Michael Thomas surely hasn’t helped, yet he’s not the only reason for their sub-par effort this season.
Since Brees and Sean Payton came to the Saints in 2006, the offense has ranked in the top-12 of scoring each season. In Week 6, the game before Winston went down, the Saints ranked exactly 12th in points scored. Sure, they can roll the dice on another season from Winston, with the hopes he can springboard their offense once Michael Thomas returns to the field, or there’s the chance of adding Russ. No-brainer.
- New Orleans Saints trade: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 third-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, Marshon Lattimore
- Seattle Seahawks trade: Russell Wilson
Of the four Russell Wilson trade scenarios featured on this list, this may be the least favorable for the Seahawks, not to mention, they’d be dealing with a direct competitor in the NFC. The possibility of adding Marshon Lattimore may be intriguing for a defense that’s struggled to stop the pass in recent years, but he also comes with baggage, which the Seahawks have been willing to overlook several times before.
New York Giants bring Russell Wilson to the Big Apple
If there’s one thing working in the New York Giants‘ favor in a potential Wilson trade from the perspective of the Seahawks, it’s the two first-round selections currently slated to be in the top ten. Since Wilson has a full no-trade clause, he can practically pick his next destination. Who’s to say the market in New York isn’t at the very top of his list? It’s no secret, the quarterback with a baseball background is also a big Yankees fan.
The Giants also have a young quarterback who was selected in the top ten but hasn’t quite developed yet. It’s possible the Seahawks may view Daniel Jones as an asset with the hopes he can take another step within their system, whatever that may be once the 2022 season rolls around.
- New York Giants trade: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 first-round pick (via Bears), Daniel Jones, Will Hernandez
- Seattle Seahawks trade: Russell Wilson
It may seem like a small price to pay compared to the other trades we’ve outlined, but both of the Giants’ selections will likely fall inside the top ten, which is incredibly valuable for a Seahawks team that needs a major influx in talent if they hope to stay afloat among a competitive NFC West division.
New York Jets shock the world with Zach Wilson/Russell Wilson trade
The New York Jets have been stuck at the bottom of the barrel for several years now. They haven’t been truly relevant since the Joe Namath days way back in 1968 when they won their one and only Super Bowl. In fact, the Jets have the worst record in the NFL over the past five years.
Drafting quarterbacks in the top-five hasn’t helped, both Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson have flopped. While it may be a bit soon to come after Wilson’s head, there is another quarterback with the last name of Wilson who can come in and help right away.
- New York Jets trade: 2022 first-round pick, 2022 first-round pick (via Seahawks), Zach Wilson
- Seattle Seahawks trade: Russell Wilson
It would be a bit ironic for the Seahawks to ultimately end up with their original 2022 first-round pick after initially sending it to the Jets in the Jamal Adams trade in July of 2020. However, it could be the move that helps get the Seahawks back into contention.
Adding Zach Wilson, the second overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft would simply be the cherry on top. Wilson would give the Seahawks a young, top quarterback prospect to build with, plus two first-round picks likely to land inside the top ten.
