NFL Trade Machine: Who Ponies Up For Russell Wilson?

An undercurrent is growing that the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson may not be able to solve their contract differences due to a wide gap in perceived value. Wilson believes multiple Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl trips and a Lombardi trophy are enough to warrant him being the highest paid player in the game. Seattle thinks more of it was due to his playing on an excellent roster led by the best defense in the league and having a top 5 running back in the backfield.

It’s why the buzz is growing that 2015 could be Wilsons’ last with the franchise. With a long-term deal growing fainter, the franchise tag may be the only option left if the Seahawks wish to keep him. That however comes with stipulations.

"“The possibility of the Seahawks opting not to pay a market-value deal and also opting not to use the exclusive franchise tag (which likely would result in a three-year payout to Wilson of more than $98 million) would leave the Seahawks with one choice: Apply the non-exclusive tag, assume the risk that someone else will sign him to an offer sheet reflecting a market-value deal, and either match the offer or accept two first-round picks as compensation from Wilson’s new team.”"

There is no doubt two 1st rounders is a steep price to pay in addition to the massive contract Wilson will demand. Still, not many quarterbacks come with his qualifications. So the question becomes which teams around the league might be willing to make that NFL trade next off-season?

Chicago Bears

GM Ryan Pace is actively looking for ways to get out of the contract of Jay Cutler, who has disappointed throughout most of his career with the Chicago Bears. It might seem unusual that the team would basically throw themselves into the same situation by giving up two more 1st round picks and a massive contract for a quarterback, but Wilson has already proven he’s above Cutler on a number of levels, most of them mental.

Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith hasn’t been able to ignite the Kansas City Chiefs offense. The irony here is the team runs a very similar style of system to Seattle. They love to run the ball and have a great defense in place. The key difference is Wilson knows how to go for the big plays down the field, something that has been missing with Smith. Better still, by 2016 the Chiefs will have the money to afford a Wilson megadeal.

Washington Redskins

The key player in this situation is Washington Redskins GM Scot McCloughan. He was a senior personnel executive with the Seattle Seahawks the year they decided to draft Wilson in 2012. So he has a clear understand of what the young man brings to the table and also how to build a team around him that will be successful. With Robert Griffin III floundering, this could be the solution the Redskins have sought at quarterback. Whether they’re willing to part with more top draft choices will be the deciding point.

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