Schefter: Saints 'Would Love' Russell Wilson Trade After Drew Brees' Retirement

The New Orleans Saints aren't planning on acquiring Russell Wilson, but they'd reportedly "love" to get the chance if the Seattle Seahawks decide to move on from their franchise quarterback.

"If you're the New Orleans Saints, even though, yes, you'd love to make a deal for Russell Wilson, you can't sit there and count on that happening," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Monday on Get Up (around the 3:40 mark). "If that happens to materialize ... then New Orleans would love that, and it would make the plans at that point in time. But it can't head into the offseason that begins this week really and say 'Well, we're in the thick of it for Russell Wilson.' Everybody is hopeful on the outside that they can land Russell Wilson, but nobody's counting on landing Russell Wilson."

The relationship between Wilson and the Seahawks is currently frayed over a number of issues, notably the team's lack of urgency surrounding him with top-flight talent on the offensive line. Wilson's agent told Schefter his client would be open to trades to the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears and Saints. 

Amid rumors of Wilson's displeasure with the franchise, the quarterback went public with some of his gripes in February. 

"Like any player, you never want to get hit," Wilson told reporters. "That's the reality of playing this position; ask any quarterback who wants to play this game. But at the same time, it's part of the job and everything else. I think that the reality is that I've definitely been hit. I've been sacked almost 400 times, so we've got to get better. I've got to find ways to get better too."

Wilson also said he doesn't feel he's consulted on personnel moves in the same way as other superstars like Tom Brady or LeBron James. 

Michael-Shawn Dugar, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks of The Athletic reported the tension comes from a battle for "power and control" between Wilson and coach Pete Carroll. The quarterback feels he's earned the right to have a say in changes to the offense, specifically ones that better protect him.

Carroll has long preferred to use the ground game to control the clock, with passing meant to create big plays over the top. While the partnership has been fruitful, it's clear there is at least a decent chance one of them exits the franchise amid the power struggle sooner rather than later.

The Saints will likely look internally in their attempt to replace Drew Brees. Taysom Hill remains on the roster—and received a strange, cap loophole of an extension Sunday—and the team remains in negotiations to retain Jameis Winston.

Given New Orleans' cap constraints, it may be better if the Seahawks wait a year or so before trading Wilson.