The New England Patriots are exploring all avenues when it comes to finding their next defender in the franchise, but it looks like one of them has already been closed. Even though Russell Wilson is supposed to be a candidate for changing teams this off-season, the eight-time Pro Bowler has only four preferred destinations, if he doesn’t stay with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, said ESPN that his client did not demand a negotiation, despite recent rumors suggesting otherwise. However, should the need arise, the 32-year-old would waive the no-trade clause in his contract for only four potential suitors – and the Patriots are not among them.
Apparently, Wilson would only consider trading with the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints. While a switch to one of these franchises actually does seem unlikely, regardless of recent reports from Seattle, there are few things that can be ruled out in the NFL.
“There’s always a chance for everything,” as New England’s starting quarterback in 2020, Cam Newton, said recently, albeit in a different context (he possibly returning to the Patriots in a free agency).
The materialization of a Russell Wilson theoretical exchange could have a trickle effect on the Patriots, even if they were not the team that hired him. After all, the four clubs that Wilson supposedly sees as a potential landing site would likely make some subsequent moves that could then create a different dynamic for the New England quarterback search. Again, all of this is only theoretical in nature, but it shows how easily the QB market can change.
Wilson going to Chicago, for example, could lead the Bears to part ways with one of the other defenders currently on their roster: former first-round draft draftsman Mitchell Trubisky and former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. Both could enter the market if Wilson joined the current team.
Wilson going to Dallas, on the other hand, would definitely take Dak Prescott forward after five seasons as a Cowboys starter and an extended contract stalemate. The best quarterback of the 2016 draft, Prescott is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and, as such, the target of many teams – including New England. Of course, the most likely scenario would be just the Seahawks and Cowboys changing quarterbacks: Dallas would franchise Prescott and move him to Seattle in exchange for Wilson.
Wilson going to Las Vegas, however, would place not just one but two Raiders quarterbacks on the market. Marcus Mariota is already expected to be available, and the current betting favorite will be the next Patriots holder, while Derek Carr will join him. Both would be targets for New England under the right financial conditions.
Wilson going to New Orleans, finally, would create a situation where Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston would become candidates to be acquired by other teams, like the Patriots. While both have their shortcomings – Hill is little more than a gadget player, Winston struggled with the ball’s safety in Tampa Bay before being replaced by Tom Brady – they could at least attract a few other teams in need of a quarterback.
At the end of the day, a deal with Wilson would be a shock, no matter what the recent reports say. The Patriots cannot and will not count on this to shake up the current quarterback scenario.
With all that said, this story shows that the market is as volatile as in recent memory. Each launch and exchange can have an impact on multiple teams – their QB situations and draft prospects. New England, scheduled to pick 15th overall at the end of April, will keep an eye on all developments, and even if it is still only theoretical in nature, like a negotiation Russel Wilson.