It almost feels like the wider national media take a perverse delight in stomping out any idea that Russell Wilson coming to Chicago is even possible. Peter King of NBC Sports claims there is no way it happens. That the Bears are “screwed.” Albert Breer? Dan Patrick? They also can’t grasp why the Bears should be considered a threat at all. Fans need to get a grip.
The reality is it feels like these guys haven’t taken the context into account. Wilson provided a list of four teams he’d go to. One of them was the Bears. That alone signals they have a decent chance. This is before Dallas extended Dak Prescott and Las Vegas publicly declared they plan to stick with Derek Carr. Both of them were also on the list and don’t seem interested in pursuing Wilson.
That leaves the Bears and Saints, the latter of whom is mired in salary cap hell.
Anybody who is watching this unfold would logically reach a conclusion that Chicago could be the favorite in this sweepstakes. Yet people continue to call it a pipe dream. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog disagrees. He has ties to the organization and also high-ranking officials around the league. Don’t listen to the noise. Instead, listen to what’s happening in Seattle.
That being…nothing. Complete silence.
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If Wilson or the Seahawks were clearly against a trade happening, one or both sides would’ve said so by now. They’ve said nothing. Seattle is fielding calls and Wilson isn’t stopping them. The two sides appear ready to move on. It is just a matter of the Seahawks finding a way to make it palatable for their fans who are undoubtedly going to be upset. The Bears are in a perfect position to take advantage.
Good morning twitter. Pay attention to the silence. pic.twitter.com/c5MIxVlajf
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 9, 2021
Russell Wilson isn’t a lock but he’s far from impossible
The evidence speaks for itself. He’s not happy in Seattle. Multiple insiders have confirmed as much. Head coach Pete Carroll seems unwilling to accommodate a number of his requests about changes to the offense. This only furthers a divide that has steadily grown for the past few years. There is still a chance the two sides settle their differences, but it is a far bigger challenge than a lot of people realize. That relationship is practically broken.
It would’ve been one thing if Russell Wilson merely went public with his frustrations about the offensive line and wanting more say in the overall scheme. For him to actually list teams he’d accept a trade to? That is significant. Reports have surfaced for weeks that he likes Chicago. He likes the big market and the presence of Matt Nagy, a QB-minded coach. He also has friends and family here.
The Bears may not have premier assets, but that isn’t the point.
Never underestimate the value of a player wanting to go to a certain team. Matthew Stafford wanted the Rams. He got his wish. Carson Wentz wanted the Colts. He got his wish. If Wilson would be happy coming to the Bears, then that matters could be the decisive key to this trade happening. It’s a matter of the Seahawks working through what they want to do.