Russell Wilson Wants New Deal From Seahawks By April 15, Two Sides In Negotiations

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports that Russell Wilson has informed that Seahawks that he wants a new contract in place before April 15, which is when the team’s offseason program starts. 

Adam Schefter reports Wilson provided the Seahawks with his deadline in January, so this did not sneak up on the team. 

According to Condotta, the Seahawks and Wilson have been in negotiations in recent days regarding a long-term extension.

Condotta explains that the thinking is that Wilson wants to get a deal done earlier so he can avoid any more speculation about the negotiations that lingered throughout the offseason back in 2015 when they agreed to their current deal. 

It remains to see what would happen if they’re unable to strike a deal before April 15, according to Condotta. 

Wilson has said previously that he’s comfortable playing out the final year of his contract if need be. 

“Oh, yeah, if that’s what I’ve got to do,’’ Wilson said a few months ago. “It’s business and everything else and I know essentially after this season I could potentially be a free agent, that kind of thing. I don’t think that way — I see myself being in Seattle. I love Seattle, special place for me. I also understand it’s a business world and everything else.”

It’s also worth mentioning that the Seahawks have maintained that they would like to get a deal done. However, Wilson could be targeting the same salary as Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who makes $33.5 million per year. 

Seattle will have their franchise tag available next year if need be.

Wilson, 30, is a former third-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2012. He’s entering the final year of his five-year, $89.142 million contract that included $60 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $17 million for the 2019 season.

Wilson will be an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

In 2018, Wilson appeared in all 16 games completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 3,448 yards, 35  touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 376 yards.

We’ll have more regarding Wilson as the news is available.