Russell Wilson Loves The Seattle Seahawks – Salary May Play Spoilsport?
The contract negotiations between Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks have been quite long and winding. However, it appears everything has been settled, except the sum.
The Seattle Seahawks have been mulling the idea of trading Russell Wilson, but the talented quarterback is far too valuable an asset to simply give up, experts feel. While the exact details of the contract still remain a mystery, it seems Wilson and the Seahawks have a very different figure in mind when it comes to salary.
Technically speaking, Wilson is scheduled to make $1.54 million this season, which is a pittance, primarily because it is his fourth and final year of his rookie contract. He must have grudgingly signed the $2.99 million deal as a third-round draft choice in 2012. However, as Russell Wilson gears up to shed the “rookie” badge, he is eyeing not just sports glory, but a record-breaking salary, as well.
He is rumored to be seeking a five-year deal that could make him the highest-paid player the game. If such a contract is conjured up, it would be worth more than $110 million. At the least, there would be $50 million guaranteed. Such figures undoubtedly need to be hammered out in tough negotiations, and that is precisely what seems to be the case here.
Interestingly, when Russell Wilson was confronted about his expectations, he merely said as follows.
“Ultimately, it comes down to the play. I let my play speak for itself and let the rest take care of itself. I continue to love the game for what it is and continue to fight and continue to play no matter how much I’m getting paid, no matter if it’s $25 million or if it’s $1.5 million. I’ll be ready to go.”
Moreover, if there is bad blood with Seattle Seahawks, Wilson isn’t ready to divulge it.
“I don’t think it’s a bad relationship by any means. I had the opportunity to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history. Obviously, I want to stay in Seattle. I love Seattle. It’s a great place, a place I arrived on May 10th, 2012. I’ll never forget that day.”
Russell Wilson has undeniably had a great run with the Seahawks. Besides leading the Seahawks to two consecutive Super Bowls, Wilson’s 15 fourth-quarter/overtime comebacks are the most in the NFL since his induction in the league in 2012. With 36 regular season victories under his belt, Wilson is a player that any team can safely bet on. But apparently, it seems the quantity of cash is the only thing that has prevented Russell Wilson from signing on the dotted line.
[Image Credit: Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images]
