Sometimes the most logical solution to a situation is the one right in front of you. For the Seattle Seahawks, retooling -- not resetting -- is their best shot at returning to a promised land that seemed elusive after their Russell Wilson trade last week.
Say what you will about Deshaun Watson's legal issues, but he's proven to be an elite-level NFL quarterback. In four seasons, he's made the Pro Bowl three times, and in 2020, he was the league's passing leader. Legal matters derailed Watson's career, and forced him to miss the entire 2021 campaign. But from a pure talent perspective, he's as good as they come.
The perceived demise of the Seahawks commenced with Kam Chancellor's retirement in 2018, and the ultimate breakup of the classic "Legion of Boom." The divorce continued last week, when the team dealt Wilson to the Denver Broncos, indicating they were likely entering a full-fledged rebuild.
A mutual split between the two sides felt inevitable from the moment Wilson threw a goal line interception in Super Bowl 49 against the Patriots. Although he had since led the Seahawks to six straight winning seasons before going 6-8 last year, there was always a level of awkwardness between Wilson and the organization, and they were never able to return to their glory days.
Wilson appeared to be among those who grew tired of the grouchy old man, 70-year-old head coach Pete Carroll. A change of scenery was in the cards, after having spent the entirety of his decade-long career in the Emerald City.
With Carroll set to turn 71 in September, a number of holes on the roster, and a formidable NFC West standing in the way, dismantling the roster seemed like a logical decision to make on a number of levels. So much so, that star receiver D.K. Metcalf was rumored to be the next star player traded away.
Not so fast. Watson's trade value as a plug-and-play quarterback provides an extreme level of intrigue. He's seven years younger than Wilson, and has less tread off the tire, having spent significantly less time in the NFL. The torn ACL that Watson suffered during his rookie season remains a backburner concern, as another one could be near impossible to come back from.
Other potential fits for Watson exist in Carolina, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans. Following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers could lay down the foundation for their next franchise quarterback. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. resurrected Drew Brees' career, and certainly could get Watson's back on track. Perhaps the Cleveland Browns could emerge as a dark horse contender, should they decide Baker Mayfield isn't the answer. But of all the teams, Seattle sure seems like the best all-around fit.
The Seahawks have a solid receiving corps led by Metcalf to surround Wilson with. Tyler Lockett and Freddie Swain are two of the league's most underrated wideouts, and have perfect route-running improvisational skills to compliment Watson's on-the-move abilities. Recently acquired tight end Noah Fant is also an up-and-coming talent, with top-end star upside with the right quarterback.
Most noteworthy in the situation is the similarity in Watson and Wilson's style of play. Both are speedy signal-callers who can freestyle outside the pocket when their pass protection breaks down. The extra seconds both guys can buy with their legs are essential in making plays downfield. The overlapping commonalities make Watson someone who can transition into the Seahawks' current scheme pretty seamlessly.
With the legality involved, acquiring Watson is an extremely risky proposition. On the flip side, league-involved penalties remain a possibility, which means there's no telling if or when Watson can return to the field. But the upside of his play when on the field -- coupled with the likelihood that he could allow Seattle to remain in win-now mode -- makes the upside of the payoff worth the boom-or-bust potential.
Jack Stern is a columnist and an associate producer for CBS Sports Radio. You can follow him on Twitter @J_Stern97.