PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A pair of former long-time NFL players have differing opinions on Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. Solomon Wilcots told the PM Team said to give up multiple first round picks to get your quarterback.
Former Steeler Ryan Clark said on ESPN 'we have to stop putting him in a world that any team that has Russell Wilson can win a Super Bowl'. Clark went on to say that Wilson isn't much of a factor that changes who football teams are and he 'isn't that great'.
Two men who played the game with varying opinions. Let's study the viability of making a huge trade for Russell Wilson to take over as Steelers quarterback. The Super Bowl champ is under contract for two more years with a high cap number.
WHY?
· nine-time Pro Bowler including the past five seasons
· For a team looking to get it downfield, averaged nearly 2 more yards per attempt than the Steelers this season
· He's looking for a fresh start at age 34 and brings an instant confidence to the offense
· Super Bowl champion with a 9-7 postseason record with 25 TD to 12 INT
· Since he turned 30, thrown for 131 touchdowns to just 31 interceptions while completing over 66% of his passes
· Still has decent mobility, even though not rushing as much as in his past, averaged 4.3 yards per attempt in 2021 after rushing for 513 yards in 2020
WHY NOT?
· Wilson will be 34, might only have a couple of years left
· You'd spent a lot of your cap space on one player with several other positions, most notably the offensive line, to improve
· He won't have Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf to throw to now
COST
· Looking around at trade speculation, it would likely cost the Steelers a pair of first round picks and probably another top three round choice to acquire. Wilson is under contract for two more years-$37 million in 2022 and $40 million in 2023
