Rand Getlin of NFL Media reported earlier in the evening that the Seahawks and MLB Bobby Wagner 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.
Recent reports have indicated that the two sides are progressing, so this doesn’t come as a complete surprise.
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, himself, mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if they were able to have a deal in place some time “soon.”
“I’ve heard nothing so until I get something to sign then I haven’t heard nothing,” Wagner said, via Jayson Jenks of the Seattle Times.
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.
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