What a Russell Wilson trade could look like for the Seahawks

Seahawks trade Russell Wilson to the Dolphins

Media outlets are circling. They smell blood in the water and are trying to see what they can dig up. Ex-Seahawks wide receiver Brandon Marshall doesn’t think Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll can continue to co-exist any longer. Teams are already starting to call inquiring about his availability.

Coach Carroll is signed through 2025. Russell Wilson is signed through 2023. What if the two simply can’t get on the same page? Rumors have already leaked out that the Seahawks management is very displeased with Russell Wilson talking to the media about his qualms.

The Seahawks are all about putting the Seahawks team first. Naturally, this won’t sit well with head coach Pete Carroll. We have seen Carroll oust players in the past for similar situations. We have also seen Seattle not afraid to take on massive dead cap hits to move on.

With Russell Wilson so keen on his legacy, I think either the Seahawks hand the reigns over to Wilson or seek a trade. Seattle would undoubtedly receive an absolute haul of draft picks. Russell Wilson also has a no-trade clause. So, he has the final say in where he ends up. This hurt Seattle’s leverage in the negotiations. Regardless, a talent on his level doesn’t come available often.

Let’s walk through a hypothetical trade to see where this leads us.

It’s highly unusual for a quarterback of Wilson’s caliber to be on the market. This is especially true being just one year into the extension. His value will be astronomical. The Dolphins are reportedly one team that has already checked into his availability.

Here is the gripe however, Seattle would be left with a dangerous amount of dead cap this year.

Year           Cap hit to play for Seattle         Dead cap if traded

2021                    $32 million                                    $39 million

2022                    $37 million                                    $26 million

2023                    $39 million                                    $13 million

2024                                                  Free agent

So, if Seattle were to trade Russell Wilson this year, it would actually cost more to the team than for him to play for Seattle This is a dangerous combination for a team with very limited cap space as is. Because of that, it is absolutely imperative that Seattle plays ball and give Russell Wilson more say in the process.

Let’s say Seattle has no choice. They are forced to trade Wilson due to irreconcilable differences. Philosophical differences, if you will. The trade with the Dolphins is complete. What could Seattle do with this draft to help rebuild? The next slide goes through what a hypothetical mock draft could look like, post-trade.