Luke Willson rumors: Top 3 landing spots

Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson is set to hit the free agency market this spring, and it doesn’t look like the team is planning to bring him back. Where could he play next?

The Seattle Seahawks appear to be starting from scratch at the tight end position and letting both Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson walk in free agency.

Wilson notched 15 catches for 153 yards and four touchdowns on 22 targets for the Seahawks in 2017, and while that level of production doesn’t exactly jump off the page, it’s notable how many of Wilson’s 15 catches resulted in scores.

Teams looking to add a red-zone threat or even to get creative with an H-back could be adding Wilson to their short lists this offseason. And these three teams could be especially interested.

Best Fits

1. Seattle Seahawks

With Graham not returning in free agency, the Seahawks will surely consider extending Willson’s contract. Willson last signed a one-year extension with Seattle on Mar. 17, 2017, and it’s possible the team could do the same again this offseason. Willson proved that he can find the end zone for Seattle, and with Graham gone, he may be able to handle more responsibility in 2018.

2. Green Bay Packers

After the Packers got burned on their big splash in free agency last offseason when pricey acquisition Martellus Bennett left the team in November, they’re in need of some help at the position. Willson isn’t much more of a pass-catching weapon than homegrown option Richard Rodgers, but he would give Aaron Rodgers another red-zone threat, which is what the Packers need most.

Next: 15 greatest NFL Draft Steals of all-time

3. Chicago Bears

The Bears need a move tight end to pair with Adam Shaheen, and Willson could be an affordable option. Spotrac estimates Willson’s market value at $3.5 million annually, which is barely a drop in the bucket for Chicago, with its $64.5 million in available cap space. Chicago is likely to release tight end Dion Sims this offseason, per the Chicago Sun-Times.