Grading the Russell Wilson trade, plus winners and losers of the tag deadline, and Seahawks eyeing this QB

Welcome to the final Wednesday before the NFL offseason officially begins. This week has been wild enough, with Tuesday bringing all kinds of major quarterback news (more on that in a bit). In fact, John Breech was so overwhelmed by yesterday’s blockbuster headlines that he took the day off, leaving me, Cody Benjamin, to deliver you all the latest. 

This is the Pick Six Newsletter. Now let’s get to it. (And please, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re signed up to receive this newsletter every day! You don’t want to miss our daily offerings of everything you need to know around the NFL.)

We’ve got reactions to franchise tags, Russell Wilson trade analysis, and much more:

1. Today’s show: Recapping the tag deadline

Ryan Wilson and John Breech joined Will Brinson for Wednesday’s “Pick Six Podcast” to recap Tuesday’s deadline for NFL teams to use the franchise tag. In between emergency pods on the latest surrounding Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, they touched on all the big names to get — or avoid — the tag:

• The guys agreed that the Jaguars tagging left tackle Cam Robinson may have been the most surprising move at the deadline, in part because Jacksonville was widely expected to consider top tackle prospects with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft
• Brinson believes the Buccaneers, who tagged Chris Godwin, preferred to extend Godwin on a long-term deal while saving the tag for cornerback Carlton Davis, but time ran out on negotiations
• Breech is curious about Jessie Bates III’s future in Cincinnati, calling the Bengals‘ decision to use the tag on the safety a “no-brainer” but noting that Bates may not get the guaranteed long-term money he’s seeking from team brass

Catch the full episode (and subscribe for all kinds of daily NFL talk) right here.

2. Broncos acquire Russell Wilson in blockbuster trade: Grades and more

Aaron Rodgers dominated NFL headlines Tuesday after announcing his return to the Packers, but only for a good 30 minutes or so, before reports circulated that Denver had landed Wilson, the longtime Seahawks star, in the trade of the offseason. Seattle will get a big haul — two first-round picks, two second-rounders, one fifth-rounder, as well as quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris — in exchange for the former Super Bowl MVP.

What are the Seahawks’ options at QB in the wake of Wilson’s stunning departure? Jared Dubin has several suggestions, and so does CBS NFL insider Jason La Canfora (more on that below). Also, who won the splashy trade for Wilson? Patrik Walker has grades for Denver and Seattle, and he heavily favors the team that immediately got better at QB.

3. Insider notes: Seahawks expected to pursue Deshaun Watson

Just because Seattle has parted ways with an all-time great at QB doesn’t mean the Seahawks are punting on the 2022 season, particularly under center. Jason La Canfora reports that another big name could be on the team’s radar moving forward:

Several executives from teams who reached out to the Seahawks are convinced the Seahawks will package much of what they just landed for Wilson to make a strong bid for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson if the outcome of the sexual assault and misconduct inquires he is facing leave him in okay standing with the NFL. Sure, Seattle could use one of these picks this year or next on a QB, but rival GMs would be stunned if they don’t add a serious upgrade to (Drew) Lock at some point this offseason.

4. Chargers extend Mike Williams with $60M deal

Two of the NFL’s top free agent wide receivers in Davante Adams and Chris Godwin came off the market thanks to Tuesday’s tag deadline, and Los Angeles ensured the next-best thing — Chargers standout Mike Williams — would also stay put. Williams has inked a three-year, $60 million extension to stay with the Chargers, as multiple reports indicated Tuesday, making the 27-year-old pass catcher one of the top-five highest-paid players at his position entering 2022.

5. Seahawks cut longtime linebacker Bobby Wagner: Landing spots

As if trading Russell Wilson wasn’t enough, Seattle reportedly also informed its longtime defensive captain that he’ll be released ahead of 2022 free agency. The 31-year-old linebacker is coming off his eighth straight All-Pro season, and while his release saves the Seahawks more than $16M this offseason, it paves the way for Wagner to suit up in a different uniform in 2022. The Chargers and Patriots are among 11 potential landing spots we’ve identified for the veteran defender.

6. Rapid-fire roundup: Kyler, Watson drama; new mock draft

Hungry for more headlines? Check out these other tidbits from around the NFL:

• Josh Edwards mock draft: After dealing Russ, the Seahawks go QB in the first round
• Tag tracker: A complete list of all the players who received franchise tags ahead of free agency
• Kyler Murray adds Cardinals pictures back to Instagram: Maybe all is well in Arizona again?
• Deshaun Watson accusers to appear before grand jury: Clarity could be coming on QB’s legal situation
• Giants could add Mitchell Trubisky as QB competition: The free agent has staff connections
• Titans extend pass rusher Harold Landry: The veteran was considered a potential tag candidate
• Patriots exploring big-name WRs: They’re reportedly interested in Allen Robinson