Washington and Russell Wilson a Perfect Match
January 27, 2022
by David Earl
Fans think Russell Wilson is the Obvious Choice
Reddit Group Page Poll Results: https://t.co/JC2fXsd7EE pic.twitter.com/V7nHK4Nj8X
— Dave (@wsk28rules) January 25, 2022
If last season taught us anything, it was 2 very important lessons: (1) don’t buy into preseason hype and (2) we need a quarterback. Taylor Heinicke was a nice story, yes, and I’ve written a fair share of positive pieces, such as Heinickie Providing Hope, but this fan base doesn’t care about the nice story anymore. Many of us witnessed the flop in Heath Shuler, the failures of the Patrick Ramsey development projects on a repeat cycle, and the ridiculous mishandling of Kirk Cousins but enough is enough. Frustrations have long since been peaked. This team has been the poster child for how to ruin a quarterback for far too long and Ron Rivera feels the pressure to solidify this position. If the proposed trade for Matthew Stafford last season is any indication of Ron’s thinking, a move on an established quarterback most certainly is in play. While two popular names come up, Russell Wilson is the focus here, as I discussed why Deshaun Watson is just a mistake and tone-deaf move.
At 33 years old, Russell Wilson is still very much in his prime and only 1 year removed from a 40 touchdown pass season. His career 65% completion percentage, 102 quarterback rating, and nearly 4-1 touchdown to interception ratio would provide Washington more than just a stop-gap quarterback. Looking at Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers, we know the once early 30 year old range is not what it was 20 or so years ago in today’s NFL. Aside from the obvious talent and reputability he would bring, adding Russell would affords this organization an opportunity to contend over the next several years while developing a young arm for the future. Russell Wilson has been consistently healthy over the years, even behind a rather terrible offensive line, and the overall performance of Washington’s offensive line has been much better than what he’s had in Seattle. Although he would be leaving weapons like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett behind, it’s hard to argue against the fact Washington is strong at the skill position players. Terry McLaurin needs no quantifying in the talent he brings but adding a true viable #1 tight end in Logan Thomas, two running backs in Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic plus a healthy Curtis Samuel would give Wilson an array of talent like he’s never had. Add his exceptional arm talent to his mobility and elusiveness, you have a formula for potentially one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. This move just makes too much sense; however, does he even want to come here?
Would He Want to Even Come
You shoot your shot of course, but let's be realistic here. Russ probably does not want to come here and as fans, we should come to grips with that and not get pissed if we have to settle for someone else 🤷♂️
— Bleeding Burgundy Podcast (@Jessys24) January 23, 2022
Although Bruce Allen is certainly not the main culprit in what has been a toxic and dysfunctional mess in Washington, his Collective Sins upon this organization are still felt today in many ways. Everything from the terrible workplace environment he helped foster to the football decisions such as the handling of Kirk Cousins and Trent Williams have been categorically awful. While these and much more linger in our collective minds as fans are we sure that today, under Ron Rivera, the “Same old Redskins” moniker still carries weight for high profile free agents? The fact that Ron Rivera is respected today is no secret – just looking at just how hard this team plays under his leadership has to speak volumes in this team’s culture. Think for a minute, over these last 2 seasons, how many times we were expecting this team just to fold late as per usual but they just refused to go away? How many times under the old regime did we watch this team, after a blowout loss as we had against Dallas, follow up next week with a performance like they did against the Eagles? Listen, I am not saying this team’s culture is completely healed and everything is sunshine and rainbows, but you have to admit there is a feeling within this organization today that is just different and more positive than before. I just don’t see an elite player like Russell Wilson thinking only how bad everything used to be under Bruce Allen but also not see just how far they’ve come under Ron Rivera. He may also consider the skill position talent Washington has on this roster. Am I being somewhat delusional here? Perhaps, but don’t you think being an eternal pessimist isn’t always necessary either?
Franchise QB Too Important
As discussed in the Future of the Quarterback Room column, this position is unquestionably important and Rivera, now entering year 3, cannot allow another year to go by with no answer. We all know just how impatient Dan Snyder will get if we go through 2022 without a solution for quarterback, but that’s only half the reality . In this league, you go as far as the quarterback will take you, while defense can only get you so far (see San Francisco with Jimmy Garoppolo 2 years ago). I don’t see the 1985 Bears walking into Ashburn this off-season. When speaking on a player of Wilson’s level there really isn’t a price too high but it’s understandable not to mortgage the farm either. The median here to maintain a reasonable price will almost certainly require a defensive asset like Montez Sweat or Daron Payne. Moving one of these player may not protect the 11th overall pick but it should certainly allow Ron and company to remain in play for a young quarterback to develop like a Malik Willis or CJ Stroud. Regardless if you have the “whatever it takes” approach or only “within reason,” this poll clearly shows what Ron’s top priority is this offseason. If a Jimmy Garoppolo trade or Marcus Mariota signing is not at the very least accompanied with drafting one of these top young quarterbacks the 2022 season will be looked upon as an unconscionable failure. In all reality, no quarterback means no progression in all so let’s just hope this front office doesn’t decide to get cute and will address this position accordingly.
Within reason is the answer, but Seattle won't take that deal. This team is not deep enough everywhere else to give away the necessary assets to get him. Sure you could mortgage the future, but for what? They'd likely be a playoff team with Russ, but not a true contender.
— Alex Piatt (@Alex_Piatt) January 25, 2022