Landing Spots For Russell Wilson If He Leaves Seahawks

The NFL offseason contains a number of supremely compelling plot points which are dominating the conversation around the league. One of them is whether Russell Wilson will stay with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, or finally leave for a fresh situation and a new start with another franchise which might be able to give him a shot at a second Super Bowl championship. If Russ wants to leave, where should he consider going?

1. Minnesota Vikings

The other big quarterback who is the subject of NFL rumors is Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packer legend would likely never consider going to the Vikings or the Chicago Bears, two teams which can use an upgrade at quarterback. Wilson, on the other hand, wouldn’t feel constrained in that same way. A move to the Vikings would unite him with coach Kevin O’Connell, who had to study the Seattle Seahawks’ defense this past season on the staff of the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. If Wilson goes to Minnesota, he inherits an offense with Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson. The Vikings would be a Super Bowl contender, and Wilson would get to play home games in a dome instead of the rainy, wet autumns and early winters of Seattle. It’s a very attractive scenario if Wilson wants to pursue it. Kirk Cousins has annoyed Viking fans to no end, and with a new front office and head coach now in Minneapolis, it’s easy to imagine Cousins looking for a new place to play, opening the door for Wilson to come to the Vikings.

2. Atlanta Falcons

The Matt Ryan situation is fascinating in Atlanta. One can imagine the Falcons wanting to part with Ryan, who might seek a landing spot elsewhere. Maybe Ryan could become a one-year rental for the San Francisco 49ers and Kyle Shanahan while they develop Trey Lance and trade Jimmy Garoppolo. Maybe Ryan would want to become Ben Roethlisberger’s successor with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe the Indianapolis Colts would try to swing a deal for Ryan. If Ryan leaves Atlanta, Wilson could step in and throw passes to Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley. There’s no Drew Brees in New Orleans and no Tom Brady in Tampa. The Falcons could rise with Russ.

3. New Orleans Saints

The Falcons are one option, but maybe Russ would want to look elsewhere in the NFC South and consider the Saints. The problem here is that Sean Payton is no longer head coach. That would have made the Saints more attractive to Wilson and other big-name quarterbacks. Yet, the Saints have a great defense. Wilson would not have to deal with the mediocre defense he had with the Seahawks the past few years. The roster is a quality roster and just needs a quarterback to rock and roll. Even without Payton, this situation has potential for Russell Wilson if he wants out of Seattle.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins aren’t getting top-tier performances from Tua Tagovailoa. They have been linked to Deshaun Watson, the troubled but talented quarterback of the Houston Texans, but Watson’s off-field problems have prevented any deal from getting done. Wilson, however, could step into Miami and instantly make the Dolphins a playoff team. Miami Decembers are a lot more enjoyable than Seattle Decembers. Wilson could do a lot worse than Miami.