When NFL fans think of the Seattle Seahawks, it’s hard not to think of Russell Wilson. After all, he’s been the face of the franchise for most of the last decade. However, a few weeks ago, it was rumored that the Seahawks might be open to trading Wilson. Since then, those rumors have not gone anywhere and are only amplifying.
A lot of teams could use the former Super Bowl Champion’s talent. In 2020, he threw 4,212 yards and 40 touchdowns.
So, where will Wilson start next season? Bovada has released their odds of most likely scenarios.
Where Will Russell Wilson Play Game 1 Of The 2021 NFL Regular Season?
Odds via Bovada as of Friday, February 26
Wilson Probably Staying in Seattle
Oddsmakers are leaning towards Wilson staying in Seattle and it makes sense. After all, he’s been there since 2012, he’s won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks and the team is usually one of the top threats in the NFC. In 2020, they finished first in the NFC West with a 12-4 record but were upset by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
Judging by the initial trade rumors, it looks like Wilson has grown frustrated with the Seahawks. One of the main reasons is that he’s “tired of getting hit all the time.” No quarterback was sacked more in the NFL than Wilson last season. Teams managed to sack him 52 times in 2020. Although, some may say that a portion of the sacks is his fault.
If the Seahawks want to keep Wilson, the first step would be to build an offensive line that will protect him going forward. Otherwise, one of the other teams on Bovada’s list could end up with him.
Four-Way Tie for Second-Best Odds
When a player enters trade rumors, there’s usually one standout team with the best odds of landing them. Not for Wilson. Instead, four teams have equal odds (+950), according to Bovada. They are the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints.
The Dolphins were an impressive 10-6 in 2020. Tua Tagovailoa looked decent as their starting quarterback, but Wilson would be quite the upgrade. The Dolphins also have valuable pieces to offer the Seahawks, such as Tagovailoa and the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Jets are another possibility. They’ve been unable to find success with Sam Darnold, who could be on his way out of New York. The Jets have an estimated $67 million in cap space this offseason, so they can afford Wilson and a protective o-line.
The Raiders may choose to cut ties with Derek Carr after some disappointing ends to recent seasons. With the team recently moving to Vegas, Wilson could be the perfect face of the franchise to attract new fans.
For the Saints, it’s looking like Drew Brees will retire. Yes, they could roll with Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill. But Wilson is a known commodity and could look scary playing alongside Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara.
