If Russell Wilson waives his no-trade clause for a trade to the NY Giants, New York should absolutely explore a deal, but how much would it cost?
Rumors of All-Pro quarterback Rusell Wilson wanting out of Seattle have become a perpetual offseason tradition for the Seahawks, but this year could directly impact the NY Giants’ future at the quarterback position.
Earlier this month, Jordan Schultz reported Wilson would waive his no-trade clause this offseason for three teams, including the Giants. There is a feeling inside the league that New York has a very real chance to acquire Wilson this offseason.
“Those conversations are very real,” an NFL Executive tells FanSided. “Both Russell and Ciara would love to be in New York, from everything that I’m hearing.”
If Wilson follows through this offseason and requests a trade, the NY Giants are uniquely positioned — at least from a draft capital standpoint — to be a reasonable landing spot. The NY Giants, if the regular season ended today, would own a pair of first-round picks next spring, which some inside the league believe would be about what it would cost to acquire Wilson.
“It’s going to cost a lot for any team, there’s no question,” the executive says. “But I think three first-round picks would get it done.”
In addition to the NY Giants with two picks, the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles are set to own three first-round picks (their own, the Miami Dolphins’ and the Indianapolis’ Colts), which could make them a more attractive destination because of a vastly superior offensive line, collection of young players and cap space to build around Wilson.
The hurdle for the NY Giants, even if they offer Seattle two first-round picks in 2022 and one in 2023, would be fitting Wilson under the cap.
In all likelihood, the NY Giants and Wilson would need to renegotiate his contract, because the team that acquires Wilson would be on the hook for Wilson’s $24 million base salary in 2022, and the remainder of his contract.
The NY Giants currently would have only just over $4.3 million in cap space next season.
“Renegotiating a deal that works out for all parties is something that would have to happen for any of this to work,” the executive explains.
Putting Wilson in an offense that features Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, and Saquon Barkley might push the NY Giants towards competing for the franchise’s first postseason berth in five years. But, putting him behind an offensive line that has struggled as mightily as this year’s incarnation might lower New York’s ceiling — even with Wilson at quarterback.