5 QBs and whether or not the Browns should trade for them
By Chad Porto
Russell Wilson – Age/Contract
I love Russell Wilson. Five years ago, if he was available, I’d be all in on the Cleveland Browns trading for him. Here’s the issue, however, he’s 33 turning 34. I know people will point to Tom Brady, who’s 45, and about to win another MVP as a reason to go for it with Wilson. The thing is, Brady’s the exception. Most quarterbacks start to fall off at 34, if not 35. So sure, you’d have one, maybe two good years, and then what?
It’s back to looking for another quarterback in 2024 or 2025. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement. Moreover, he’s soon to be 34 and will be making $37 million this year, and then $40 million next year. Even with a raised cap, that’s a lot of money for a quarterback who’s never been to a Super Bowl without an elite-level defense. That was eight years ago. He’s only had one losing season as a starter, sure, but the issues with the Seahawks boil down to the fact that they don’t have the money to improve the team, in part because of how much they’re paying him.
This is a common problem with teams with an elite quarterback. Unless they’re willing to “give money back” as Brady does, they don’t seem to win the big one anymore after they get their massive contracts.
If Wilson gets traded to Cleveland, he’ll likely want a new deal, and that means more money. If the contract is voided this offseason, as there is an opt-out clause after the 2021 season, he’ll likely sign someplace at a higher rate than he’s playing for at the moment.
The Browns need to invest some serious money at receiver and defensive tackle, on top of dishing out new contracts to key free agents. Not only that, but Jack Conklin’s deal could be in its final year and he effectively got himself a huge payday by not really playing this year. After Conklin got hurt, the entire offense fell apart.
That’s not a coincidence, the team really relied on his run blocking more than people realized. Clearly, the team can’ easily replace him.
It’s just not prudent to pay a mid-30-year-old $40 million a year when the team needs drastic improvements to key positions.