The quarterback carousel that is spinning this offseason has a strong chance to involve the New Orleans Saints. It certainly looked like Drew Brees had played his final game following the team’s defeat at the hands of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, there are rumors swirling that the Saints could look to trade for Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson.
If Brees does retire, many assumed it would be Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill taking over under center for him. No one would have ever guessed it could be Wilson that would be replacing Brees at quarterback for the Saints.
The Seahawks’ signal-caller has begun ruffling some feathers and sounds like he is getting frustrated with some things. There has been a growing discord between the team and Wilson, detailed at the subscription-based The Athletic. Wilson has begun to tire of the team’s depleting supporting cast around him and not giving him the keys to the offense.
While there has been no formal request or demand for a trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Wilson, who has a no-trade clause, has provided the Seahawks with a list of teams he would accept a trade to. On that list are the Saints, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders.
If Russell Wilson ever pushes for a trade, the Saints have to do everything in their power to acquire him. The package that it would take to land Wilson would be astronomical, but it is something New Orleans would have to seriously consider.
The Saints would provide Wilson with a lot of the things he has been hoping to get in Seattle. They have a strong offensive line anchored by Ryan Ramczyk and Terron Armstead. There is an abundance of weapons, headlined by wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara. The defense is talented at every level with Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore.
New Orleans also has a familiar face on the coaching staff in Kris Richard. Richard was with the Seahawks’ coaching staff from 2010-2017.
There is a lot to like in The Big Easy, which is probably why Wilson had them on his list of preferred destinations. While nothing is imminent, and the Seahawks would be wise to take Wilson’s input to keep him around, the Saints have to pounce if the opportunity to add Wilson to their roster presents itself.
One of the most interesting storylines thus far in the NFL offseason has been Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. While Wilson has not requested a trade from the Seahawks, it is something that he and his camp have had to have discussed, as Wilson, via his agent, provided a list of teams he would agree to a trade to.
Of the four teams on his preferred trade list, the Bears and Saints are the likelier landing spots. Dallas has their own quarterback issue with Dak Prescott they have to figure out first. Las Vegas has Derek Carr under center and have seemingly rebuffed any attempts made by other teams to acquire him.
The package to land Wilson will be a gigantic one. The package for him would be similar to what the Houston Texans are reportedly expecting for Deshaun Watson; multiple high draft picks and players.
If Drew Brees goes through with retiring this offseason, New Orleans is a prime landing spot for Wilson. They can provide him with a lot of what he has been asking the Seahawks to provide him with.
What could the package from the Saints look like? Ross Jackson of Locked On Saints provided what the thought process and offer from New Orleans might look like.
“The Saints could offer a package consisting of first round picks in 2021 and 2022, a conditional third round pick in 2022 that could become a second round pick based on playing time, McCoy, and Taysom Hill, who would provide the Seahawks with a bridge quarterback for the next year or two. That would be the starting point for discussions, though cap issues likely mean 2022 would be the earliest New Orleans could realistically make a deal.”
While that package is staggering, it would be worth the price for New Orleans. Outside of Marshon Lattimore and Ryan Ramczyk in 2017, they haven’t hit on many first-round picks in the past seven years. So, why not package them away for a surefire thing at the most important position in the league?
The Saints also have a strong offensive line and a good group of playmakers headlined Thomas and Kamara.
As Jackson points out, a trade may not be feasible for New Orleans this offseason. However, if Wilson does eventually request a trade, the Saints are capable of putting a compelling package together.
