5 teams Russell Wilson could finish his career with if he leaves the Seahawks

As his future with the Seahawks gets called into question, here are five teams Russell Wilson could finish his career with.

The Seattle Seahawks went 12-4 and won the NFC West this year, but there are signs of trouble. Quarterback Russell Wilson was allowed to “cook” early in the season, as the team started 5-0. Then a downturn came as he didn’t play as well, and the offense wasn’t as good in the second half.

Wilson was reportedly not happy with the firing of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Head coach Pete Carroll remains steadfastly committed to making the ground game the center of the Seahawk’s offense, which seems counterproductive when you have a great quarterback and one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.

Wilson cited how the Seahawks got passive offensively down the stretch this year. For a guy who tends toward canned answers and cliches, what he said to Colin Cowherd stands out.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t go for it as much, I don’t think. I think we got a little bit passive. And we got to make sure that never happens again.”

Over the weekend, a report surfaced saying the Seahawks were getting trade calls on Wilson, with the expected lack of engagement from their end. But on Monday night, there was this from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.

The Seahawks generally don’t devote significant resources to their offensive line, with the trade for Duane Brown an exception. So frustration over a lack of protection is well-founded, in a broad sense. But it’s clear, in an even broader sense, that Wilson is not happy with the direction of the offense.

Wilson is under contract through 2023 via an extension he signed two years ago, and trading him before June 1 this year would trigger a $39 million cap charge for the Seahawks. But the idea of moving him becomes a little more palatable in 2022, and as he sees the horizon of the end of his contract Wilson may force Seattle’s hand to do something (extend him or trade him).

The idea Wilson will ultimately play for a team other than the Seahawks has lingered for years. They may prefer to eventually reset with a younger quarterback, so a parting of ways sometime over the next couple years may be mutual.

So let’s go down that path. Here are five teams Wilson could finish his career with.

5 teams Russell Wilson could finish his career with

5. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are definitely involved in the quarterback market, with a rumored offer for Matthew Stafford and being mentioned as a possible destination for Deshaun Watson. A top-10 pick opens up the idea of drafting someone in April, if nothing else.

Head coach Matt Rhule has a long contract and job security, so an all-in move to get a quarterback is not necessarily required this offseason. Continuing to build the rest of the roster can be the priority, and running it back with Teddy Bridgewater or another shorter-term guy under center next season is an option.

Wilson started his college career at NC State, so the Panthers may appeal to him as a landing spot. And if the rumors around the Panthers already this offseason is any indication, they can’t be ruled of a big move for a quarterback sometime soon.