Seahawks & Bobby Wagner Making Progress On Extension, “50/50” Chance Deal Is Done By Week 1

A source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN that contract talks are “progressing” between the Seahawks and MLB Bobby Wagner, and there’s about a “50/50” chance a deal getting done before Week 1.

“Talks are progressing. Both sides are optimistic that they can get a deal done before the season starts,” said Anderson’s source of the current state of negotiations. “I’d say it’s about a 50/50 chance now it happens by then.”

Rand Getlin of NFL Media recently reported that the two parties have been working on a long-term contract extension in recent weeks, and there’s optimism that an agreement could be in place before the start of training camp.

According to Getlin, negotiations between Wagner and Seattle have been “very active” and both parties are working to ensure he remains in Seattle for the foreseeable future.

Getlin adds that if the Seahawks are able to lock up Wagner long-term, they would have one less candidate to use their franchise tag on next year, which means there would be an even better chance of QB Russell Wilson receiving the designation.

Jason La Canfora  of CBS Sports mentioned that Wagner is seeking a contract that would pay him around $10 million per season and the Seahawks reportedly aren’t “all that far off” in terms of their valuation.

At $10 million per year, Wagner would be the highest paid inside linebacker, according to Spotrac.com. This doesn’t count Packers LB Clay Matthews, who moved inside mid-season.

Wagner, 24, is entering the final year of his four-year, $4.307 million rookie contract that included a base salary of $977,427 for the 2015 season.

In 2014, Wagner appeared in 11 games for the Seahawks and recorded 104 tackles, two sacks, and three pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has Wagner rated as the No. 5 inside linebacker in the league out of 60 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding the Seahawks and Wagner as the news is available.