With the new name in place, the Washington Commanders now shift their focus to addressing their team needs following a disappointing 7-10 season in 2021. At the top of the list of needs is quarterback.
The Commanders could go any of three routes. They can draft a rookie in the first round, looking into the future and long-term. Washington holds the 11th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.
The Commanders can also sign a free agent to start. However, the list of potential free agents are viewed more as stopgap solutions than anything long-term.
Washington could also comb the trade market looking for a more established veteran QB to take the reins. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has been rumored to be disgruntled dating back to last offseason.
Following this season, Wilson reportedly wants to “explore his options.”
Wilson is one of the top handful of names that are speculated to be looking to be traded to a different scenery. And just as Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson and to a degree Jimmy Garoppolo, the thought of Wilson being in a Commanders uniform in 2022 has caught the eyes of fans.
That speculation boiled over during Sunday’s Pro Bowl in Las Vegas. Wilson was pictured with his wife and Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and his wife.
Team 980’s Kevin Sheehan chimed in saying, Wilson is “not against” playing for the Commanders.
Wilson grew up in nearby Richmond, Virginia. Washington has held several of its recent training camps in Richmond. Wilson once said he was too busy playing multiple sports to be a Washington fan.
But the opportunity to play for the team closest to his hometown would surely be intriguing for him. Still there would be hurdles for any team to acquire Wilson from the Seahawks.
Wilson is a top-10 quarterback. He still has two years and $51 million in base salary and guarantees remaining on his current contract.
For Wilson’s stature, the Commanders (or any team) will have to pony up quite a trade package to acquire the 33-year old QB. But if the Commanders front office and decision makers are listening to their fans, they’ll be going all in to secure Wilson’s services.
