A new speculative article by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on the hunt for a quarterback. Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has hit the trade block after he was benched for rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart.
His current team, the New York Giants, could always hang onto the veteran gunslinger for insurance purposes, but it makes sense for both sides to start off fresh.
It's been a disaster for Wilson ever since he fell off a cliff after the Steelers held a 10-3 record last year. They lost their final five games of the season, including their playoff debacle, and it made little sense for Mike Tomlin to entertain bringing the veteran back. They went with Aaron Rodgers to lead Pittsburgh's offense this season, and Wilson had few options to choose from.
It was between the Giants and the Browns, and Wilson decided that New York was his best landing spot. He did continue to show glimpses of what still makes him an intriguing option to be a starter in the NFL, but he has also shown why so many teams have passed on him. He might not be a great quarterback anymore, but he is someone who could help a team if he is traded.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson could get traded within the AFC North
Wilson had a magnificent game in Week 2 of the season, where he produced 450 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Giants lost that game, but it seemed like Wilson pushed himself back into the spotlight. The following week, he reverted to his old ways, prompting New York to make a quarterback change. He still has quality starts left, but he isn't consistent enough.
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With Dart in the fold, it makes little sense for New York to hold onto Wilson. He can start games for a couple of different teams in the NFL if they're desperate enough. A couple of AFC North rivals could make sense, as mentioned in the Bleacher Report article. With the AFC North wide open right now, the Steelers could struggle against the Browns or the Bengals with Wilson in the fold.
Cincinnati has started Jake Browning with Joe Burrow out for most of the season. It has sunk the Bengals' chances, but if they trade for Wilson, their offense could make some noise with the weapons they carry. He wouldn't be too expensive for them to acquire, and it would make sense for both parties.
Wilson gets a shot to excel in a strong offense, and the Bengals might save their season.
The other AFC North rival of the Steelers mentioned is the Browns. They just benched Joe Flacco for Dillion Gabriel, and they're a lost cause. Wilson visited Cleveland during free agency, but he declined to join them. He could get ultimate revenge by joining the Browns and forcing a loss or two to Pittsburgh. Cincinnati is the better landing spot, but Cleveland is another possibility.