What Would a Russell Wilson Trade to Dolphins Look Like?
p/c: Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers completely revamped their quarterback room in 2024, this after going into last year, with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph.
A new cast was presented by GM Omar Khan, as he signed veterans Russell Wilson and Kyle Allen, while also trading for Justin Fields.
Following last season, head coach Mike Tomlin said a veteran QB would be brought in to compete, alongside Pickett.
Early in the offseason, reports had surfaced that Pickett wasn’t thrilled about Wilson’s arrival to Pittsburgh. As it turned out, Pickett was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fields was made a trade candidate by the Chicago Bears, with much speculation that they were set to draft Caleb Williams.
A conditional sixth round pick for 2025 is all it took for the Steelers to acquire Fields.
On the eve of training camp, Wilson sustained a calf injury, after pushing a sled during a conditioning test.
The injury to Wilson allowed Fields to get most of the reps with the first team offense.
In total, Wilson played just six series in the preseason. However, he said he “felt great” and “strong”.
A few days prior to the Steelers’ season opener, Wilson re-injured his calf - putting his status for Week 1 in jeopardy.
Tomlin made Wilson a game-time decision in Atlanta, but instead, Fields got the start, Allen was moved up to QB2, and Wilson would be an emergency option.
Perhaps a revenge game in Denver would be in store for Wilson. However, he was a limited participant in practice all week, and again, was listed as an emergency backup.
Further down South - South Florida that is - The Miami Dolphins are currently dealing with a major injury loss to their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.
During the Dolphins’ 31-10 loss on Thursday Night Football to the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa suffered a significant concussion.
Despite a history of numerous concussions, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that the lefty throwing Pro Bowl QB has no plans to retire, and that he’s already been seeing concussion specialists. Rapoport added that there’s currently no timetable for Tagovailoa’s return.
Given Miami’s obvious need for a proven veteran quarterback replacement, would they legitimately consider trading for Russell Wilson?
Although it’s not a complete certainty, perhaps Tomlin continues to ride with Justin Fields, even if Wilson is fully healthy. Through the first two games, Fields has posted a 94.6 passer rating.
So hypothetically speaking, what would a trade involving the Steelers and Dolphins for Wilson look like?
Pittsburgh signed the 35-year-old Wilson to a one-year deal, for the veteran minimum at $1.2 million, which of course be very enticing to Miami, or any team in search of QB help.
Realistically, it probably wouldn’t cost the Dolphins much, in terms of draft capital. Perhaps something along the lines of a third or fourth round pick for next year.
If Omar Khan were to move Wilson, a lot would depend on how comfortable the Steelers would be having Kyle Allen as Justin Fields’ backup. Management may feel that Wilson’s track record makes him a nice, veteran insurance policy to Fields.
From Miami’s perspective, it’s more than likely they would go out and sign a quarterback in free agency, as opposed to relinquishing any draft picks. Ryan Tannehill is currently on the open market, so maybe a Dolphins’ reunion with Tannehill on an inexpensive deal is the way they go.