New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell weighs in on Russell Wilson-Saints rumors with pitch

If the New Orleans Saints are able to pull off a blockbuster trade for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants it known that Wilson and his wife Ciara would be welcomed to the city with open arms.

Cantrell commented on the speculation surrounding a Saints-Seahawks trade on Saturday evening - fueled by several recent reports that the Saints are on Wilson's short list of teams which he'd waive his no-trade clause to join. Word is frustrations have grown over the years between Wilson and the team, which could put the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback on the move.

"We not only admire you, we want you," Cantrell said in a video shared from her official Twitter account, twirling a black and gold umbrella while wearing matching Mardi Gras beads. "The culture of the city of New Orleans awaits you."

The mayor said she knows Wilson would be a package deal, along with his five-time Grammy Award nominee wife Ciara. Cantrell envisioned Ciara headlining the annual Essence Festival.

But it's too soon to do more than speculate. Wilson has not requested a trade, though he has specified the teams he'd sign off on if he were to be moved. The Seahawks have every incentive to keep him in Seattle for the rest of his career. Odds are the Saints will continue marching toward the offseason as they have been, expecting a training camp battle between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston (if he re-signs) once Drew Brees has made his retirement official.

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Then again, isn't it fun to dream a little?