Chicago Bears: Ranking biggest threats in Russell Wilson sweepstakes

3. Las Vegas Raiders

Unlike the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys, currently the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback is on the roster for 2021. Derek Carr, while being floated around as a trade candidate this offseason still hasn’t been traded. That means there is a high likelihood that he’s the Raiders starter in 2021.

Raiders head coach John Gruden has been reluctant to move on from Carr. Last offseason, Carr was the subject of trade rumors as well. However, he remained on the Raiders roster and started all 16 games in 2020. That’s good news for the Bears because it would mean that the Bears could end up as the only team remaining on Wilson’s list of preferred destinations.

Las Vegas has some pieces to offer on offense. Running back Josh Jacobs, tight end Darren Waller, and 2020 first-round pick wide receiver Henry Ruggs III would form a lethal core with Wilson. Las Vegas also allowed just 28 sacks in 2020 meaning Wilson would be protected as well.

Gruden has shown he isn’t willing to trade for high-profile players, however, he is willing to ship out high-profile players (Khalil Mack in 2018). Combine this with Gruden’s draft-and-develop approach and it’s clear that while Wilson wants the Raiders, the Raiders may not necessarily want Wilson.