Is Russell Wilson a realistic option for the Colts?
Could Russell Wilson possibly replace Carson Wentz as the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts?
With quarterback controversy heating up early in the offseason already, there has been a lot of speculation on what the Indianapolis Colts might do for 2022. Do the Colts keep Carson Wentz, sign a free agent to challenge for QB1, or make a trade?
Recently, Russell Wilson has made it known that he’d like to explore options for next season. Wilson currently has two years remaining on his contract that has a cap hit of nearly $77 million during the final two years.
It is worth noting that cutting Carson Wentz would only cost Indianapolis around $15 million in dead cap.
#Seahawks QB Russell Wilson wants to explore his options, sources say. But will the Seattle brass be on board or will it mirror last offseason with the hope of running it back?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2022
My story: https://t.co/v0CESrBiSz
What it would take to get Russell Wilson to the Colts
Here is the real tricky part of getting a former Super Bowl champion to Indianapolis. Last year, the Chicago Bears offered a haul to get Russell Wilson, and it failed. The Bears’ offer included three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and veteran players.
The Colts just don’t have that kind of capital to give away and build a championship contender. The Colts’ 2022 first-round pick is currently owned by the Philadelphia Eagles due to the Wentz trade.
The Colts currently own all of their picks in 2023-2025.
Let’s take an extra year and a thumb injury into consideration. To get Wilson off the Seahawks and to Indianapolis, it will likely take two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a veteran player.
The Colts and Seahawks could make the deal happen and send Carson Wentz to Seattle to be a development quarterback until the Seahawks can rebuild the roster and get their franchise QB through the draft in 2023.
Russell Wilson has a no-trade clause
Wilson has an impactful clause in his contract, that most stars build in. He is not able to be traded to any team during his contract. Teams and players find ways around this by waiving that clause.
This requires Wilson to waive the clause by agreeing to be traded to specific teams. Is Indianapolis a city that he’d even consider coming to?
Wilson could be eyeing other teams including the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, who both have defenses that can compete and offensive firepower. The Colts lack that offensive firepower which could have him looking elsewhere.
"I love this city. I love this team. I left it all out on the field every play. I have always dreamed of being here in Seattle. I've always dreamed of playing 20 years here, and that's my prayer."@DangeRussWilson when asked about his future in Seattle@Seahawks | @ShannonSpake pic.twitter.com/00UjlGYGSG
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 10, 2022
Is it likely Russell Wilson is in a Colts uniform next season?
Simple answer: No.
This would be unlike Chris Ballard to trade away the future for a 33-year-old quarterback that will likely not be on the team in 10-12 years like Ballard wants.
In 2023, the quarterback draft class gets a little deeper with guys like Byrce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Spence Rattler entering the draft.
It is more realistic at this point to see Wentz in a Colts uniform for at least one more season before drafting the future QB in 2023. However, expect to see Ballard bring in quarterbacks this off-season to compete for the job and to push Wentz into being a better quarterback.
