Russell Wilson trade rumors took a hit below the belt Tuesday, after the Bears signed Andy Dalton to a one-year deal. In weeks leading up to this decision, the Chicago signaled aggressively their intentions to get Wilson on their roster through trade. The Hawks ended saying no to whatever deal was thrown out. So can we officially put these trade rumors in the NFL rumor grave?
“Here’s the reason why I would say it is not officially dead,” said Robert Mays, NFL Senior Writer for The Athletic. “Two of the teams on Russ’ list are absolutely viable to do anything, at any time.”
He’s not wrong! The New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders are two other teams that were listed by Wilson’s agent as potential trade destinations. Important to emphasize “potential.” Russ’ agent made clear his camp was NOT requesting a trade, but listed teams they would draw interest (TOTALLY CLEAR!).
“The Saints could do anything and you would say, ‘Alright, I’m not too surprised by that, and the same goes for the Raiders,” Mays said in relations to a potential trade. “They just cut their all-pro center for seemingly no reason!”
The Seahawks have put themselves in an interesting bind… Russell Wilson seems displeased with Seattle’s trajectory, but he’s still under contract till 2023, with a potential out in 2022. The Hawks would have to eat $26 million is cap if they parted ways with Russ at that time. That might not seem too extreme if this relationship continues to sour throughout the season.