Seattle Seahawks Rumors: Contract Talks With Russell Wilson Could Be Reaching Critical Juncture

The Seattle Seahawks are rumored to be reaching the finish line on contract talks with quarterback Russell Wilson, but the team may reach the critical juncture without getting any closer to a long-term deal for their franchise player.

Wilson and the Seahawks have been locked in negotiations for several weeks, and it appears to many that little meaningful progress has been made. It now appears that the talks could be ending soon, with reports that the two sides will call off negotiations with the start of training camp.

As NFL.com reported, Wilson’s agent has a history of calling off talks once camp begins.

“But will the window of opportunity for an extension close for good when camp begins?

“According to people who have worked with agent Mark Rodgers, his history with high-profile, big-money deals shows that to be the case. If Rodgers continues to do business the same way he always has while representing baseball players, each day closer to free agency means decreased likelihood of a deal before Wilson is free (after two franchise tags in 2016 and 2017).”

Sources told NFL.com that Russell Wilson isn’t aiming to be a free agent, but he does want the kind of money he would get on the market (a rumor that would imply he’s not too interested in giving the Seattle Seahawks a hometown discount).

Wilson has said he’s willing to play the coming season on his rookie contract, making $1.54 million.

While the sides have made some progress, sources say there are still some major differences. Some even believe that the failed talks could lead to Wilson leaving Seattle.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said the team may even look to trade Wilson after the upcoming season if there is no new deal.

“But they could be there by February. If ongoing discussions (discussions that could be continuing as soon as this week) fail to result in a long-term deal, the Seahawks could opt for a trade of Wilson over mere placement of the non-exclusive tender and acceptance of a pair of first-round picks from whichever team convinces Wilson to sign.

“Here’s how it likely would unfold. The Seahawks would apply the exclusive franchise tag, preventing another team (like the Rams, a division rival) from pursuing Wilson. The Seahawks then could shop Wilson, simultaneously controlling his next destination and seeking compensation other than a pair of first-round picks.”

If the contract rumors are true, then the Seattle Seahawks would have less than two weeks to finalize a contract with Russell Wilson. The team’s training camp begins on July 30.

[Image via Getty Images]