Chicago Bears fans have heard for over a week now that Russell Wilson listed their team as one of four he’d like to play on if the Seattle Seahawks end up trading. This coming on the heels of a growing rift between the All-Pro quarterback and the team brass of head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. After most experts brushed it off as a mild tiff between family members, the buzz has begun to intensify.
Word is the Seahawks have begun fielding calls from other teams. They’re not “shopping” him, but they’re listening. People can argue the wording all they want. This is confirmation that Seattle has opened the door. It’s up to another team to make them an offer they can be happy with. Are the Bears prepared to do that? According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, that seems to be the case.
Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy appear focused on making Wilson a Bear.
“The thinking among multiple sources is the Bears have prioritized making a run at Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. His agent included the team on a list of four clubs Wilson would approve a trade to, although it hasn’t yet reached the point where he’s asked out.”
There are a number of reasons why Chicago may feel confident they can land him. Being on his list is a good start. The fact Seattle is keeping the phone line open is another. Then there is the competition. Dallas, Las Vegas, and New Orleans were the other four teams Wilson would be interested in playing for. All three have noteworthy reasons why they wouldn’t pay the hefty price it would take to get him.
Dallas is still hoping to retain Dak Prescott on a long-term deal. He’s younger and wouldn’t cost them draft picks to secure. Las Vegas seems happy with Derek Carr who just had one of the best seasons of his career in 2020. Trading for Wilson won’t help the bigger problem with their team which is the defense. As for the Saints? They still have $60 million to clear out just to get back under the salary cap. It’s hard to envision they can absorb Wilson’s contract.
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That leaves the Bears.
Russell Wilson is exactly what they need
A superstar quarterback. People keep trying to say this Bears roster isn’t any good. The reality is it’s gone 28-20 the past three years with bottom 10 quarterback play be it from Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles. Wilson would shift the paradigm the moment he walked into Halas Halas. This is a top 5 player. Somebody who threw 40 touchdowns last year despite being sacked more than 40 times in Seattle.
He has 17 comebacks in the 4th quarter since 2015 alone. This guy finds a way to win. He is that elusive quarterback you win because of, not with. Imagine how much better he could make that Bears offense. Pace and Nagy certainly seem to be. Putting him in navy blue and orange would look like an express ticket to saving their jobs beyond 2021.
Never mind the possibility of finally competing for a Super Bowl.
It will come down to how well they can build around him. One thing is certain. Whatever they’d give up for Russell Wilson would be substantial. Multiple high draft choices and maybe a player or two. Using the resources left to keep the roster competitive will be the big challenge following such a deal. Is Pace up to the task?
He seems willing to find out.