Ironically, in the week we learned about how Russell Wilson tried to become the highest-guaranteed paid player in NFL history, NFL.com declared Wilson one of the best value picks in quarterback history.
Look he even made the thumbnail!
The argument in his favor reads as such:
Earning the Seahawks’ top job by Week 1 as a rookie, Wilson (who measured 5-foot-10 5/8 at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine) would go on to start 149 straight regular-season games (165, including playoffs) for Seattle, the sixth-best QB mark in NFL history. He led the franchise to a rousing Super Bowl XLVIII victory over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Wilson has made 10 Pro Bowls, including in each of his first four seasons in the NFL, and he’s been a top-five finisher in Offensive Player of the Year voting three times.
That not only qualifies him as one of the best value quarterbacks ever, but also as one of the great draft bargains of all time, regardless of position.
The quarterbacks valued ahead of Russ are Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Lamar Jackson.
The kicker? Brock Purdy rounds out the list for the fifth spot.
Recency bias, much? If we’re allowing the final pick of the first round to be considered for “best value of the millennium,” might I humbly suggest Drew Brees? Also selected 32nd overall (though that was Round 2 back then), an undisputed Hall of Fame QB and Super Bowl champion, Brees seems a stronger candidate than ol’ dubious arm strength himself.
You all, oh mighty Field Gulls Faithful, weigh in! Does Russell Wilson feel about right? Anybody else fit the bill for this list?
