The Seattle Seahawks are rumored to be making progress on contract talks with quarterback Russell Wilson, a positive development in a situation that appeared to be growing dire.
In recent months, reports had emerged that the team was far apart from what Wilson had been asking, leading to rumors that the team may have been planning on letting the quarterback leave after playing through his rookie contract and two seasons as the franchise player.
Wilson is going into the final year of his rookie deal, and will make $1.5 million this year.
But now the sides are making progress , with Wilson’s agent Mark Rodgers saying there is an “ongoing dialogue” with the team. He also called out the rumors circulating about the apparent stalemate.
“We’ve had an ongoing dialogue, not all of it being a negotiation,” Rodgers told 710 ESPN radio in Seattle. “Some of it just being philosophical and really trying to understand each other’s positions. I would characterize our talks as ongoing, fluid, robust at times, thoughtful and we’ve made progress. Frankly, about 95 percent of the speculation has been off point. I would characterize [the negotiations] as positive and encouraging.”
Rodgers added that Wilson’s demands aren’t exorbitant.
“What he’s looking for is what everybody is looking for,” Rodgers said, “a deal that feels fair, feels reasonable and at the end of the day makes him feel comfortable with the compensation he’s receiving from the skill and performance he’s delivered.”
There may be new pressure for the Seattle Seahawks to reach a deal with Wilson, as the price tag for all quarterbacks just went up after the Dolphins signed Ryan Tannehill to a $96 million contract extension . Many expect the contract to drive up the price for both Wilson and Andrew Luck, who were drafted in the same year as Tannehill and have out-performed him so far.
“There is a good chance Luck will become the highest-paid quarterback — and possibly the highest-paid player — in the NFL once he gets his new contract,” ESPN writer Mike Wells noted.
But Russell Wilson may not be far behind, with some reports claiming that he and the team are getting close to an extension worth more than $100 million.
Rodgers said the goal is for Wilson to play out his days in Seattle.
“As a Seahawks fans, it’s a no-brainer to hope and think Russell Wilson will be a Seahawk for life,” Rodgers said. “I tend to be very optimistic. The goal here is at the end of the day is we have successful negotiation with the Seahawks.”
While the rumors continue to surround the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson doesn’t seem to be putting pressure on the team, at least publicly. Rodgers said he is content to play out the final year of his rookie deal and will be attending the team’s offseason workouts.
[Image via Getty Images/Elsa]
