A league source tells Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times that there has been “very little progress” made between the Seahawks and QB Russell Wilson regarding a long-term extension.
Condotta admits that things could change quickly in the days leading up to the reported April 15 deadline imposed by Wilson.
However, Condotta says that Wilson’s camp knows that the franchise tag is a “far more realistic possibility” than the last time they negotiated a long-term extension. Beyond that, Seattle is also aware that Wilson holds more leverage this time around.
Condotta mentions that the two parties could play more of a waiting game By setting a deadline, Condotta explains that Wilson could be attempting to get the Seahawks to show their intentions in terms of possibly using the franchise tag.
Condotta believes Wilson may want some sort of a benchmark such as becoming the highest-paid player in the NFL or securing the most guaranteed money.
As for a possible holdout, Condotta doesn’t see Wilson going this route, but there’s obviously been a strong implication from his camp that he won’t negotiate again until after the 2019 season.
The Seahawks could franchise Wilson next year for around $30.6 million or so and they follow that up with another franchise tag in 2021 at over $35 million.
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.
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