Russell Wilson Bears Trade Rumors Heating Up
Trade rumors connecting Russell Wilson and the Bears have been circling around the world wide web for the last few weeks after Wilson's camp said Chicago was one of the franchises Wilson would accept a trade to. But over the last 72 hours, the rumor mill has been spinning at a higher rate than before, with multiple people in the know spreading information they're hearing about Wilson and the Bears.
It actually started with Colin Cowherd on Friday. Cowherd said he heard the Bears were preparing to make an offer the Seahawks couldn't turn down. He mentioned five first-round picks, which isn't allowed by league rules because you can only trade picks four years in the future and the Bears don't have multiple first-rounders between now and then but, nevertheless, it was mentioned.
“I’m told the Chicago Bears are trying to make a move on Russell Wilson and trying to create a move that is so good Seattle can’t say no."
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 12, 2021
— The latest from @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/gohWppaxSg
Today, Jeremy Fowler threw more lighter fluid on the fire, saying the Bears are going to, "take a big swing" at trading for Wilson and that Russ is equally as interested in them as they are in him. Fowler also added Wilson doesn't expect to be traded, so take the good with the bad.
According to @JFowlerESPN on SportsCenter:
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) March 14, 2021
1) “The expectation league-wide is the Chicago Bears are going to try to take a big swing at acquiring Russell Wilson.”
2) “Russell Wilson is intrigued by Chicago's market, offensive-minded head coach and emerging offensive line.”
Today, Ian Rapoport also said the Seahawks have been listening to trade talks around Wilson but aren't actively pursuing a trade.
As our Free Agency Frenzy coverage begins: Will the #Seahawks trade QB Russell Wilson? pic.twitter.com/5jvl2T9ExW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2021
These reports come a week after Chicago Tribune columnist Brad Biggs said the Bears have, “prioritized making a run at Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.” Usually where there's smoke there's fire and right now this rumor mill is smokier than Cheech and Chong's bus.
At the same time, Wilson's contract makes it hard for the Seahawks to trade him because it will result in Seattle eating $39 million in dead cap space. There's also the fact that the Seahawks don't have a suitable replacement for Wilson and the Bears do not have many attractive trade chips to offer in return for Wilson.
Realistic issues notwithstanding, trade rumors involving Wilson and the Bears are popping up all over the place these days and likely will continue until something definitive comes out one way or another. It's a nervous time for Bears and Seahawks fans and entertaining times for the rest of the NFL. Might as well get some popcorn out and enjoy the show. More is sure to come.