Seattle Seahawks’ Quarterback Russell Wilson is looking for a new contract and Cincinnati should be the team to give it to him. After being drafted in 2012, Wilson signed a four year $2.99 million contract. Now after being named a rookie of the year candidate, capturing a super bowl title, while having two super bowl appearances, he is now among the league’s Elite and wants to be paid like it.
It has been reported that he is seeking a deal around five years $110 million. There has also been reports saying he wants to be the highest paid player in the league , but for the sake of the argument lets give it these numbers.
The Cincinnati Bengals are set with Andy Dalton as their starter and don’t seem to be looking to get rid of him, but if they did why not Russell Wilson?
First off, with the big number of 2016 UFAs that are all vital to Cincinnati’s success needing new contracts at the end of the year, getting Russell Wilson as a UFA in 2016 is almost impossible. It would also be impossible because of the huge free agent bidding he would cause and that Cincinnati doesn’t participate in those. Therefore, the only way to obtain Russell Wilson’s services is through a trade.
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, the Bengals gave Andy Dalton a six year, $115 million contract extension. I applauded this only because of the way Cincinnati structured his deal. The Bengals paid Andy Dalton all his guaranteed money last year, therefore they can move on from him whenever they decide to. Most fans wouldn’t mind moving on from Andy Dalton and I doubt even less would mind if Russell Wilson was his replacement.
Russell Wilson is a clear upgrade from Andy Dalton. Dalton is a great regular season Quarterback, proven by his regular season record of 40-23-1. Russell Wilson is an upgrade because he possesses the “it” factor, he’s won a Super Bowl and has proven time and time again he can Win. My favorite reason why Wilson is an upgrade over Andy is because Wilson has proven he can win with less.
Yes, the Seattle Seahawks offense possess Marshawn Lynch, but who else there. (Excluding Jimmy Graham since he was recently traded) At one point there was Golden Tate, but Tate was not the Tate we know now. Regardless, Tate is not a number one WR. Wilson has never had an elite talent to throw to. Just imagine an Elite QB like Wilson pairing with an Elite offense in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati possesses the league’s best offensive line, one of the top WR’s in the league, a top 5 rushing attack to go with a unstoppable passing attack and a top Defense. All of this and Cincinnati cannot pass the first round of the playoffs. The average play at the Quarterback play is what is holding Cincinnati back.
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Bengal Nation has never known what it is like to win a super bowl. There has been times that we’ve been close, but still no cigar. Giving Russell Wilson Andy Dalton’s contract could give Cincinnati it’s best chance at a super bowl title.
Imagine trading Andy Dalton to Seattle along with a first round pick for Russell Wilson. Can we say super bowl? Of course, this will probably never happen but, Russell Wilson in Cincinnati would be something special.