With news that the Green Bay Packers reached an agreement to extend Aaron Rodgers, one top-tier quarterback remains as a possible trade piece. The Seattle Seahawks may not trade Russell Wilson, but now teams like the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one less option to push for a Super Bowl run in 2022.
Top trade destination for Russell Wilson
Wilson has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he will only leave if he (and Ciara) want to go. But if Wilson is looking to chase more rings, a few destinations make sense. If being in a large market is in his sights, we could make that work as well.
Denver Broncos
Wilson would thrive behind an offensive line that’s sufficient. The Seahawks’ line has improved in spurts over the years, but Denver is only missing a right tackle at this point. They also have one stud runner — Javonte Williams — in the backfield and the potential to re-sign Melvin Gordon, making them stable.
They also aren’t short on receiving talent. Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick have been extended to long-term deals, while both Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler are still on their rookie contracts.
Plus, Denver boasts the tight end tandem of Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, who can both contribute to the passing attack. The Broncos are stacked and just waiting for a quarterback to lead them to the next level offensively.
Denver 9’s Mike Klis believes that Wilson will be the target for Denver as we advance further into the offseason.
UPDATE: The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a trade for Wilson. Seattle is sending multiple first-round picks, additional picks, and players for Wilson. The trade is pending a physical and Wilson’s approval, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Drew Lock is reportedly part of the trade package.
Top trade destinations for Russell Wilson if he wasn’t traded to Denver
The deal is done in principle. There goes any dream I had of seeing Wilson in a Bruce Arians offense, and any dream Ciara had of living in New York City for the foreseeable future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Admittedly, this fit is selfish of the writer, who simply wants to see Wilson in a Bruce Arians passing attack. Wilson’s downfield passing ability is among the best in the NFL. Tom Brady raised his average depth of target significantly upon his arrival in Tampa Bay, and it would have been magical to watch Wilson throwing downfield to both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The Buccaneers will continue to boast one of the better offensive lines in the NFL if they retain Ryan Jensen and Alex Cappa. Even with the loss of Ali Marpet, that unit could have sufficed in front of Wilson.
New York Giants
The Giants aren’t ready to compete, but there aren’t many better options than the Big Apple when your wife is a superstar musician. Daniel Jones hasn’t proven to be the long-term solution to the Giants’ QB problem, and they’ve assembled a group of talented receivers that would have been at Wilson’s disposal.
The offensive line remains a sticking point on this roster, but Andrew Thomas did improve as a pass protector as the season progressed in 2021. If the Giants pulled a few more strings, they could have made themselves a more attractive destination. They also had the draft capital to pull off a trade. The Seahawks could have also taken a shot on Jones as part of the deal.