Here's a look at the quarterback position for the Seattle Seahawks heading into training camp:
Locks: Russell Wilson and Tarvaris Jackson
It doesn’t get any better than having Wilson as the point-man for this offense. And calling him a game manager is an incredible insult to a man who has set several NFL records and guided this team to back-to-back Super Bowls. With Jimmy Graham now part of Wilson’s arsenal, there is no limit to what he can accomplish.
The only downside heading into camp is the fact that a shocking barrier has formed between Wilson and the Seahawks' front office over a long-term contract, leading to national speculation about his long-term future with the organization. It’s one of the most surprising developments of the NFL offseason.
Wilson says it will not affect what he does on the field, and knowing his character, it probably won’t. But it has to be disappointing to him that a resolution wasn’t found and the team doesn’t appear inclined to change things anytime soon.
The backup QB situation looked tenuous at best until Jackson finally agreed to return last month with a new, one-year deal. Jackson is one of the better backup QBs in the league, an experienced player who knows this offense better than anyone. All the players respect him and he understands his role, but this team would not have reached the last two Super Bowls without Wilson.
Bubble: R.J. Archer
Archer has a strong arm and has picked up the offense quickly, but he’s a long way from being ready to compete successfully as an NFL quarterback. A former William & Mary standout, he has good size at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds and also moves well in the pocket, but his throwing accuracy and his decision-making need more time to develop. He likely is headed to the practice squad unless there is an injury to Wilson or Jackson.
Longshot: B.J. Daniels
The Seahawks have moved Daniels to wide receiver, believing he has a better chance of contributing at that spot, but it’s still a long shot for him to make the 53-man roster there. I’m listing him here because he can move back to quarterback if there an injury to one of the other three guys.
Daniels (5-11, 215) is the man most similar to Wilson is his size and playing style, a talented athlete with the ability to run and improvise.