“If at first, you don’t succeed…” That’s how the saying goes right? This entire Russell Wilson saga has been exhausting for Chicago Bears fans. The odds of the seven-time Pro Bowler actually being traded still seem remote. Yet the rumors won’t go away. Multiple insiders who are all well-connected continue to insist the situation between the quarterback and the Seattle Seahawks has not improved. A trade is still possible.
The biggest reason the Bears failed to close the deal over a week ago wasn’t about the package they offered. By most accounts, GM John Schneider was on board with it. The problem was head coach Pete Carroll. He wasn’t willing to do it without any sort of line to a viable replacement at quarterback. The belief is that could change closer to the draft as their options become clearer.
Now it seems that moment has arrived.
A massive trade occurred on Friday. One that saw the San Francisco 49ers move up from #12 overall to #3, giving Miami multiple 1st round picks. This was a dead giveaway that they’re planning to take a quarterback. However, it also sent a clear message about the intentions of the team one pick higher. It’s a virtual certainty at this point that the New York Jets will be taking one as well at #2 overall. That explains this tweet by Jets insider Manish Mehta.
Source: Jets are open to trading Sam Darnold without getting back a first-round pick.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) March 26, 2021
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Why does this matter? A couple of weeks ago it was reported that Carroll is a big fan of Darnold. The two both have USC connections and the Jets quarterback is still just 23-years old. Plenty of talent to work with. This is good news for the Bears. It isn’t a stretch to think they could pull the Jets into a three-team deal, one that sees them send a pick to New York for Darnold who they could then package for Wilson.
If that weren’t enough, it gets even more interesting.
Seahawks just officially announced they have released Jarran Reed.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 26, 2021
Reed was a huge part of the Seahawks defense as their interior pass rusher. With him gone, it leaves a major void in the middle of their defensive front. Rumors indicated the Bears offered Akiem Hicks in their initial package for Wilson that Seattle declined. This development could make the former Pro Bowler look much more palatable to them now.
Russell Wilson is still a long shot but the Bears may have a chance
All things considered, GM Ryan Pace has positioned himself fairly well. He still has the ammunition necessary to make a run at Wilson. If it works out? Fantastic. The Bears have a franchise quarterback. If not? Too bad but not the end of the world. They still have a serviceable veteran in Andy Dalton and a full slate of draft picks to further bolster the roster around him.
Seattle? They’re not exactly in a great spot. Russell Wilson is not happy. Their stud defensive tackle just departed for nothing. Last but not least? They only have three picks in this 2021 draft. Including no 1st rounder. They also have no 1st in 2022 either. So one can understand why Schneider might embrace the idea of a fresh start at QB along with restocking his draft coffers.
The big hurdle is getting Carroll on board.
A move for Darnold might be the key. Will the Bears do it? Only they can answer that question and they aren’t talking. All signs have pointed to Dalton being “QB1” as they pointed out on Twitter. Then again Mike Glennon was QB1 four years ago and everybody remembers how that went. It might not seem fair to Dalton if the team did that, but this is a business. Wilson is worth the effort.