With the season coming to an end, rumors are swirling around Russell Wilson’s future with the Seattle Seahawks. Entering the 2021 season, this topic was on the mind of many as Wilson had stated some frustration with his team in the offseason.
Primarily, his frustration with getting hit too much and wanting more say in the front office. Although there is no telling of how satisfied Wilson is with everything in 2021, he has stated time and time again that he does not want to leave.
Many may feel that he doesn’t have much of a say. But, he actually does. With a no-trade clause in his contract, Russell Wilson would have to grant his permission to the Seattle Seahawks in order for a deal to be made. If you remember last offseason, Wilson’s agent listed 4 teams that he would accept a trade: Saints, Cowboys, Raiders, Bears.
Three quarterbacks the Seattle Seahawks could replace Russell Wilson with
Now, during the season, many reports have surfaced that Wilson would waive his no-trade clause for other teams – such as the Giants and Eagles – but Wilson denied those rumors. If the Seattle Seahawks were to move off of Wilson, in my opinion, it would be for one of two reasons.
- Seattle keeps Pete Carroll as the head coach and Russell Wilson isn’t pleased about that.
- Seattle decides to completely rebuild and start over from scratch.
I don’t believe Russell Wilson will draw the line in the sand to Jody Allen and say, it’s either Pete or me. He doesn’t appear to be that kind of player and quite frankly, I think his “spoiled” relationship with Carroll is overplayed. They seem to get along just fine. In fact, Pete touched upon how their relationship has never been stronger and, I believe it.
But, for argument’s sake, if Seattle were to trade Russell Wilson, let’s take a look at 3 potential quarterbacks who could take over as the face of the franchise.
Derek Carr
Somehow some way, the Las Vegas Raiders are still alive in the AFC Playoff picture. A couple of weeks back, sitting at 6-7, Vegas was left dead in the water. But, as we enter Week 18, they are winners of three straight have a chance to win their way into the playoffs. A large reason for their late success has been quarterback, Derek Carr.
It is no secret that the Raiders have dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity this year. First, it was Jon Gruden resigning. Then, it was wide receiver Henry Ruggs getting cut due to criminal charges off the field. Not only did Carr lose his offensive-minded coach and best deep threat, but his star tight end, Darren Waller, has been dealing with injuries all year.
In my opinion, Derek Carr is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in this league. I know over the last couple of years, the Raiders have started off fast and finished slow. But, Carr deserves a ton of credit for dealing with a dysfunctional organization. He has a chance in Week 18 to set a franchise record for most passing yards in a single season. He is currently top 5 in completion percentage and passing yards. He is willing his team to a strong finish.
Carr currently has one year left on his contract, making him a free agent in 2023. But, Wilson did state the Raiders as one of his preferred destinations. If Seattle does agree to move off him, Vegas presents an interesting opportunity as they would be able to acquire a good quarterback in return with other pieces, whether it be defensive players or draft picks. If Derek Carr were the starting quarterback in 2022 for the Seattle Seahawks, I certainly wouldn’t mind.
Jalen Hurts
The other option the Seattle Seahawks could explore in trading Russell Wilson would be to acquire a young quarterback and a plethora of picks. Something that the Philadelphia Eagles can present. If Pete were to stay and Russ were to leave, he would not want to rebuild and start over at age 70. The interesting dynamic about the Philadelphia Eagles is that they currently hold 3 first round picks in the 2022 NFL draft.
While Hurts doesn’t have the greatest of arms, he is a proven winner. When he was benched at Alabama, he transferred to Oklahoma, further developed his passing game and ended up winning the Heisman award. Even this season with the Eagles, he has done enough to pretty much assure his team a playoff spot. I understand the argument that he plays in a weak division and the NFC Wild Card race is poor. But, you couldn’t argue against winning. Not too many people outside of Philadelphia expected the Eagles to be in the playoff race.
His athleticism would allow him to fit in well in this Seattle offense. If you remember in the Legion of Boom era, Russell Wilson was using his legs a lot. The offense was all about establishing Beast Mode and then working their way into the play action. If Seattle were to get those draft picks from Philadelphia, they would be able to add talented players on both sides of the ball that should make an immediate impact.
Lastly, Hurts being on a rookie contract would allow Seattle to spend more money in free agency. By doing so, they can acquire more talent that would categorize them as a win-now team. Although we might have already seen the ceiling of Hurts, the one thing you can never undervalue is the winner mentality and there is no denying that Hurts has that.
Jameis Winston
Another route the Seattle Seahawks could take in moving off Russell Wilson would be trading him for a combination of picks and players, then signing a veteran quarterback in free agency to a team-friendly deal. Potential deals with the Steelers or Giants where they could get youth on defense and picks in upcoming drafts.
Jameis Winston would be one of those quarterbacks that wouldn’t require backing up a brinks truck. He is looking to get his career back on track and Seattle might be a preferred destination for him.
While he is known for being turnover prone, Winston is able to push the ball down the field. A primary factor of this Seattle Seahawks offense. If Seattle decides to retain Rashaad Penny and he stays healthy, he and Chris Carson will be one of the best combos in the league.
That would alleviate some of the pressure off Winston and allow him to play more freely. During his tenure in Tampa Bay, it felt as if he was trying to win the game on every throw he made. Thus, resulting in him being the cause of numerous turnovers.
In New Orleans, we have seen a more patient Jameis. Despite the fact that he still throws interceptions, he has shown improvement. There are numerous other quarterbacks who could be signed to a team-friendly deal. Players such as Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Nick Foles. Out of that bunch, I personally think Winston gives Seattle the best chance. Bridgewater wouldn’t be a bad fit, but he is very reliant on the underneath passes.
I know many do not like this idea of bringing in Winston. But, ask yourself, what can’t Winston do? Outside of some maturity issues, his football skills are really solid. The Seahawks organization has been known to take risks on players with off-field issues. The culture they have set in place has allowed players to grow and reach their full potential.
I don’t think Winston would make Seattle Super Bowl contenders, but there aren’t many quarterbacks who are available that would. The truth is, if Wilson does indeed want out, the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to remain afloat because this draft class isn’t filled with star-studded quarterback talent.