Russell Wilson Trade Proposal Has Former NFL GM Facing Backlash

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings find themselves in quarterback purgatory entering the 2024 NFL season.

Appearing on ESPN's "Get Up" on Wednesday, August 21, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum threw out a two-part scenario that could potentially elevate both teams.

"I think a win-win here is to trade Russell Wilson to Minnesota. I think he's a better quarterback than Sam Darnold. They certainly could battle it out. And then, Ryan Tannehill is still a free agent, guys. ... Let him come in and at least initially backup Justin Fields."

One major potential complication: Wilson's current one-year, $1.2 million guaranteed contract with Pittsburgh includes a full no-trade clause, meaning he could dictate which team he could be traded to.

Tannenbaum, who most notably spent seven seasons as GM of the New York Jets from 2006 to 2012, had football fans riled up in the comment section.

"There’s a reason he’s not a GM anymore," one fan wrote on X.

"I’ll speak on behalf of all Vikings fans when I say we don’t want him. #skol" another said in reference to the 35-year-old Wilson.

"His name should really by Mike Tanne-bum after this garbage take," another commenter wrote .

"Everytime Tannenbaum talks it’s so obvious why he doesn’t have a GM job," someone added .

Tannenbaum's rationale behind the idea was the Vikings' blockbuster trade for former Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford in 2016 following Teddy Bridgewater's gruesome knee injury.

Bradford, a former No. 1 overall pick himself, commanded a first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick to get that deal done.

However, as Wilson enters his 13th NFL season on a statistical decline since 2020, his asking price could be closer to a "third or fourth-round pick," as Tannenbaum suggested.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Sounds Off on Russell Wilson in 2-Minute Rant