Raiders are one of 4 teams Russell Wilson would approve a trade to

It is no longer speculation. It is now on the record that Russell Wilson is traded by the Seattle Seahawks, the superstar quarterback has the Las Vegas Raiders on the short list of the teams he would approve this offseason.

Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, told ESPN that the QB — who has a no-trade clause and controls any deal the Seahawks would make — would only accept being traded to the Raiders, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys or New Orleans Saints.

Wow, right?

We have heard a lot of speculation of Wilson possibly wanting a trade and that Las Vegas would be a city he’d like to play in. Now, his camp is publicly saying it.

Does that mean a trade is likely? No, but it’s setting the stage and it’s clear that Wilson and the Seahawks are currently not in a good place.

Does that mean Wilson could be a Raider soon? Not so fast. Surely, he is an upgrade over Derek Carr, but it’s not that simple.

Trading for Wilson, who will turn 33 this season, would cost the Raiders big compensation. The Seahawks would likely want multiple first-round picks (maybe three) and Carr in return. Also, Wilson is making $35 million this season, $10 million more than Carr, who turns 30 next month.

In the short term, this would make the Raiders better, but it could hurt in the long run. Plus, the loss of draft picks and a tighter salary cap would do anything to make the Raiders’ defense better in 2021. The Raiders averaged 27 points a game in 2020. The offense isn’t the problem.

Surely, the Seahawks would prefer to trade Wilson to the Raiders over the other four teams on this list, because they are the only option in the AFC. But it just wouldn’t be easy.

This news will be of interest to Carr, who the Raiders reportedly have turned down offers for this offseason. The Raiders are also the only team on Wilson’s list with a set starter for this season. Dak Prescott is a free agent in Dallas, Drew Brees is thinking about retirement in New Orleans, and the Bears are looking for a new starter.