It doesn’t seem like that long ago that the Seattle Seahawks were in back-to-back Super Bowls.
In fact, since Pete Carroll became head coach of the organization in 2010, the team only has two losing seasons.
Make that three.
After Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears, Seattle is 5-10.
This will mark their first losing record since 2011.
However, this season signifies something much more than a rare losing record.
There’s also the story each loss tells about the Seahawks.
With each passing week, it becomes more obvious that the franchise is on life support.
Your 2021 Seattle #Seahawks: pic.twitter.com/isiIl2G60N
— License to Will (@wharrison51) December 27, 2021
Russell Wilson is still the alpha male, but he has looked mortal.
Some of the reasons are obvious.
His line has been a sieve and the running back position is in shambles.
The Seahawks have missed on a large number of drafts lately and the populace is openly questioning the John Schneider/Carroll dynamic.
Both men have been signed through 2027 and 2025, respectively.
Will either make it that long?
They are joined at the hip, though, and if one goes, the other is likely gone as well.
So, how should the duo proceed in the future?
Trade Russ Or Build Around Him?
On the face of it, Seattle would be foolish to trade away their biggest asset.
Franchise quarterbacks are extremely rare and there is no guarantee that the Seahawks would get a viable quarterback in return.
What Wilson can guarantee is a chance.
That chance is a competitive advantage for Seattle.
The problem is, this season has shown that that competitive advantage isn’t what it used to be.
Keep or trade Russell Wilson? Get rid of Pete Carroll and/or John Schneider? All of those decision are up to these two, mainly Jody. #DoTheRightThing #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/ro0BqNiKxR
— Darnell Calhoun (@DCalhounDB) December 27, 2021
Seattle has over $50 million in cap space, which could bring in some serious help.
The current roster is woefully thin and free agency and the 2022 draft could add pieces.
However, as already mentioned, Schneider and the front office have whiffed in both areas for years.
How long can Wilson last while the Seahawks tinker, again, with a reconfigured roster?
When it comes down to it, the Seahawks would be better off building for the future by trading Wilson.
In return, they need a temporary starting quarterback (while they draft and develop a rookie), additional offensive line help, a corner, and additional draft picks.
Seattle would lose Russ, but gain some necessary bridge players and make a significant play for a needed overhaul.
Who Are The Trade Partners?
As most Seattle fans know, Wilson has listed three teams he would give up his no-trade clause for.
🚨 Sources: Russell Wilson would strongly consider waiving his no-trade clause for the #Giants, #Broncos and #Saints. pic.twitter.com/40Eude2zEP
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 8, 2021
The Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints have been deemed worthy enough for the signal-caller’s services.
Can any of them provide the trade pieces necessary for Seattle to compete next year?
Just a cursory look at the QB situation for each organization makes one pause.
New York would be a huge stage for Russ and his pop star wife, Ciara.
Giants should do everything they can to trade for Russell Wilson https://t.co/QOHPqtyLpO pic.twitter.com/e3kUOX5UPc
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 27, 2021
In return, the Seahawks would get Daniel Jones, (maybe even Saquon Barkley).
Jones’ 2021 season is done after a significant neck injury.
Even before the injury, Jones didn’t look like the future and Barkley isn’t much better.
Denver has Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater.
Neither will help Seattle in the short term.
Regarding the Saints, would the Seahawks trade for Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill?
Neither are world-beaters.
There has been talk of late about a deal with Philadelphia and Gardner Minshew.
Seattle Seahawks need to trade Russell Wilson to the Philadelphia Eagles for Gardner Minshew and all 3 of Philadelphia Eagles 1st round picks #10 #14 #23 and the Eagles 2nd pick. #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/tNDDPnuTQD
— Kyle Broflovski (@SunCraftBeerSki) December 20, 2021
Minshew would return to the state where he became a college football star.
However, the Eagles would then have Russ and Jalen Hurts.
There’s no reason to keep both.
Hurts is no Wilson, but he’s young and has shown good potential for the future.
Cleveland would seem like a good trade partner.
The Browns could land Russ in exchange for Baker Mayfield and even running back D’Ernest Johnson for starters.
What Happens Next?
No doubt about it, Seattle has some difficult decisions ahead of them.
Do they try to keep the band together (what’s left of it) or make a splash?
As painful as it is, the smart money is a trade for their most valuable asset.
Given the look of their short-term future, the Seahawks need to say goodbye to Wilson.
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