Trading for Russell Wilson seems like the central focus for the Chicago Bears right now. Multiple insiders have said they plan to take a big swing landing him. Seattle left the phone lines open but hasn’t yet engaged in active talks. By most accounts, it appears they’re waiting the situation out. What isn’t certain is the ultimate intent. Do they plan to actually trade him and are trying to drive the price up or are they stalling in hopes their disgruntled quarterback cools down?
This is the question nobody has an answer to. What is known is this. Wilson isn’t happy. He’s frustrated with the Seahawks’ outdated offensive philosophy and lack of investment in his protection. Seattle, for their part, is tired of his constant complaining and believes he shares a lot of the blame for the team’s inability to advance in the playoffs the past few years. Tensions are high, but are they high enough?
The Bears can’t be sure.
They’ve been in contact with Seattle and reportedly made them an offer. Since then it’s been silent. Free agency is set to begin on March 17th. Ian Rapoport said on Sunday that nothing appears imminent. So the NFL world waits. Plenty of people take this as a sign Wilson isn’t available. Yet if that were true, why didn’t the Seahawks come out and say so from the start?
They’re listening. It comes down to how serious they are. Bears GM Ryan Pace knows a degree of patience is required in situations like this. However, every waiting game must have an expiration date. What should Chicago’s be? How long can they afford to wait on Seattle before having to make the tough decision to move on to other avenues?
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
As our Free Agency Frenzy coverage begins: Will the #Seahawks trade QB Russell Wilson? pic.twitter.com/5jvl2T9ExW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2021
Russell Wilson deserves patience but the market determines urgency
A player like Wilson doesn’t come along often. A seven-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. He is a genuine superstar. Somebody who can carry a team on his back, lifting them to victories they would otherwise lose. If a guy like that is available, the Bears are smart to go after him, even if it may take time for a possible deal to coalesce. Waiting things out can work to your advantage.
Back in 2009, Jay Cutler had a falling out with the Denver Broncos as well. For some time the team tried to make things work but when it became clear that wasn’t happening, he was eventually traded to Chicago. That trade took place on April 3rd. If no progress on Russell Wilson is evident by the start of next month, the Bears will likely have their answer.
There is one problem though.
The 2021 market of QBs is somewhat stronger than it was in 2009. Some of the noteworthy names available back then? Matt Cassel, Byron Leftwich, Patrick Ramsey, Chris Simms, and Jeff Garcia. Not exactly a group to get excited about. This year is somewhat different with names like Alex Smith, Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyrod Taylor, and Jameis Winston headlined a fairly decent group. That doesn’t include Marcus Mariota who many believe will be cut at some point in the near future.
That at least offers the Bears some alternatives. As long as a good number of them remain available after free agency begins, they can afford to stay patient with Wilson. When they start to dry up though? Pace may have no choice but to make a tough call. Either he takes the gamble to wait on Seattle a bit longer and risk the market drying up. Or he bites the bullet and moves on to other options.
If you’re confident Wilson will either stay in Seattle or come to Chicago, you stand to make a lot of money placing a bet on it. Just make sure to use PointsBet. Their promo code Mockery can get you two risk-free bets for up to $2000.