The Russell Wilson situation is one of the most interesting to develop around a quarterback in a long time. Nothing seemed too amiss when the offseason began. The seven-time Pro Bowler was comfortably locked into a new contract. The Seattle Seahawks had just gone 12-4 with a high-powered offense. Most expected business as usual in preparing for 2021.
Then the madness began.
After a meeting about the idea of making changes to the offensive philosophies ended poorly, Wilson took his frustrations to the media. He was tired of the old-school style Seattle employed and was tired of getting hit so often behind a constantly overmatched offensive line. When that didn't get the reaction he wanted, things got worse when Wilson's agent leaked that he would accept a trade to one of four teams if Seattle wanted to consider parting ways.
The Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Since then the Seahawks have remained silent. Whispers from insiders
indicate they are fielding trade calls and that the relationship with Wilson has gotten quite frigid of late. There is still a chance the two sides could hash things out before it's too late. However, many are starting to believe a breakup is coming and coming soon.
It's a matter of Seattle finding the right package they'd be willing to accept and having a plan at quarterback once Wilson is gone. As of right now, the market is clearing up. Dallas just extended Dak Prescott. So they're out. Vegas has made it clear they're sticking with Derek Carr who is younger and cheaper. That just leaves the Saints and Bears according to the original list. Who is the favorite? Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk only
sees one.
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Russell Wilson will control how this thing goes
Two questions must be asked here. How much does he want out? The agent made it clear he'd prefer not to be traded but if given no choice, he doesn't fear leaving. Combine that with all the other nuggets of info, it's clear the 32-year old isn't happy there. Enough to formally request a trade? Maybe not but perhaps enough to convince the Seahawks it is probably time to part ways.
The other question is will Russell Wilson consider expanding his initial list of teams he'd play for? Plenty of other teams are interested to be sure. If he opens the door to playing in more places, that instantly would mortally wound the Bears' chances of getting him. So they want the list to stay as-is. If things continue to progress along the current trajectory. The outcome will go one of two ways.
Either Wilson stays in Seattle or he comes to Chicago.
Is this a good reason to get those hopes up? No. Situations like this are always fluid. They can turn on a dime at any moment. The Bears are in a great position. They're willing to pay the price tag and Wilson would like to play in Chicago. Two vital keys to any trade. It comes down to whether the Seahawks have a change of heart and reconcile or they manage to bring another team into the mix.
