Although the Chicago Bears had its exchange offer for quarterback Russell Wilson closed by the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s exchange discussion did not settle. In fact, it seems to be gaining new momentum.
Several reports by names like Adam Schefter, Jeff Darlington and Dianna Russini of ESPN indicate that Wilson staying in Seattle is not a closed deal, and that an exchange could be made closer to the NFL draft. Add to that the Bears have not yet given up hope of winning over Wilson, and it is enough to drive this poor Bears fan base crazy.
Chicago’s original offer – three choices in the first round, one choice in the third round and two players, which many assume to be cornerback Kyle Fuller and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks – was not enough for Seattle. But it had more to do with the fact that the Bears could not offer a replacement for Wilson.
On Friday morning, ESPN’s stand up shared a new commercial proposal by Mike Tannenbaum that favors the Bears, but also gives the Seahawks what they want – a quarterback.
- Bears get: QB Russell Wilson
- Seahawks receive: QB Sam Darnold, 2021 and 2022 first round picks (from Chicago) and LB Roquan Smith
- Jets receive: 2022 choice of second round in Chicago
1. Are we doing this again ??
2. Two-1s, a 2, Roquan, is that it? !! ????? Done. pic.twitter.com/hZfup607BC
– Joe Ostrowski (@ JoeO670) March 26, 2021
The Bears were aggressive in their search for Wilson before finally hiring veteran quarterback Andy Dalton for a $ 10 million one-year contract – but that was after the Seahawks made it clear that they were not negotiating Wilson at this time.
This hypothetical Tannenbaum exchange offer is much better than what Chicago already offered Seattle – mainly because it costs one less choice in the first round.
Although losing Smith is a big loss for the Bears, this – along with two players from the first round and one from the second round – is a small price to pay to get the first quarterback of the team’s franchise since Sid Luckman.
Obviously, all of this is hypothetical at this point. But as NFL recruiting approaches, we can soon find out how committed the Seahawks are to Wilson – and if, by far, Chicago could shock everyone and really make a deal happen.