Bears Insider Sheds Further Light On Russell Wilson Situation

Nobody really knows what to make of the Russell Wilson issue up in Seattle. Neither the star quarterback nor the Seahawks have made any sort of statement regarding the issue. Zero clarity to be had. Plenty of people believe Wilson will be back in 2021. Some prominent insiders though have continued to insist that the entire situation isn't over. The possibility of a trade still exists. What hasn't always been clear is where the Chicago Bears stand on this. They already made a run at the quarterback this past month. It didn't materialize. Despite a strong offer from GM Ryan Pace, the word is Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll squashed the deal. Chicago signed Andy Dalton just hours after that happened. Does this mean the pursuit is over? SM reported this is not the case and now further confirmation comes via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

"As I have reported since before the team made Andy Dalton’s addition official, the Russell Wilson watch isn’t dead yet. I am sure the Bears are continuing to monitor that but they had to make a move for Dalton when they did in the event Wilson doesn’t leave Seattle or they cannot land him."

All signs continue to point towards the NFL draft.

The primary reason given for Seattle's refusal wasn't a deep desire to keep Wilson. It's more the Bears couldn't offer a viable solution at quarterback in the event he was traded. More time was needed. Time to evaluate the upcoming draft class and time to see if another veteran quarterback they might like suddenly becomes available. The popular name of late being Sam Darnold of the New York Jets. If the Bears could somehow reconfigure their package to include a quarterback Seattle liked, then they'd likely be in business. Reports continue to come out that Wilson isn't happy. Nothing the Seahawks have done this offseason has changed that. The odds still favor him staying in Seattle but the window definitely remains open. Chicago could try to take one more crack near or even during the draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtiJSGaKIpA&ab_channel=ESPN

Bears are in good position either way with Russell Wilson

They still have enough ammunition to make another run at him next month. However, in the event Seattle does close the door? The team has done a decent job of protecting themselves with the signing of Dalton. This way they'd be able to use their draft picks to fortify the offensive roster around him. A solid contingency plan, if not ideal. The Bears, like everybody else, is seeking clarity. Seattle refuses to offer any. That says plenty by itself. Last year Aaron Rodgers teased the idea of his future being a mystery after the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love in the 1st round. The Packers were quick to come out and state that Rodgers was their quarterback. He wasn't going anywhere. The Seahawks have done no such thing with Russell Wilson. That sends a pretty clear message.

Both sides are open to a divorce. 

It's a matter of when, not if it will happen. If not this year, most are convinced it happens by next year. The challenge for the Bears is finding a way to convince Seattle to do it now. Their first attempt fell through. By the sound of it, they could be planning a second. Everything will come to a head in Cleveland during draft weekend. Maybe Pace can pull off a miracle.