Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Russell Wilson Trade Rumors: Raiders, Dolphins Among Teams Linked to Deal for QB

Tim Daniels

Representatives for the Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson have reportedly "broached" the idea of a trade with the team's front office amid the quarterback's rising frustrations.

Michael-Shawn Dugar, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks of The Athletic reported Thursday the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets are among the potential landing spots for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection.

According to The Athletic report, "Some people around the league think a trade could happen, if not this offseason then sometime in the near future."

Buzz around Wilson's potential availability started on Super Bowl Sunday when CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the Hawks' inability to fix the offensive line in front of him and his desire to "maximize his opportunity to win consistently" made him a trade candidate.

The 32-year-old University of Wisconsin product then went on a media tour where he was asked about the budding speculation and confirmed aspects of La Canfora's report, saying he was "frustrated" the Seahawks weren't in the Super Bowl and wasn't happy with the protection.

"Like any player, you never want to get hit. That's the reality of playing this position. Ask any quarterback who wants to play this game," Wilson told reporters. "I've been sacked almost 400 times. So we've got to get better up front. I've got to find ways to get better, too."

That said, the Super Bowl XLVIII champion added: "I love playing for Seattle. Loved it for years."

Wilson is coming off another terrific season in 2020. He completed 68.8 percent of his throws for 4,212 yards with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 games. He ranked eighth in ESPN's Total QBR (73.5) and received a high-end 90.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

If available, he'd challenge the Houston Texans' Deshaun Watson as the top NFL player who could be traded during the offseason.

Wilson is under contract with the Seahawks through 2023 on a four-year, $140 million deal. His full no-trade clause means he could pick and choose where he'd be willing to play.

A trade would leave $39 million in dead-cap space for Seattle, though. It could be split over the next two years—$13 million in 2021 and $26 million in 2022—if designated a post-June 1 move, but that's still a significant financial commitment while also trading away one of the league's best quarterbacks.

For that reason, it's hard to imagine the Seahawks will move Wilson this offseason, but it's clear some issues must be ironed out.

   

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