Robert Klemko of MMQB.com expects the Seahawks to use their franchise tag on QB Russell Wilson next year, instead of working out an agreement on a long-term contract.
However, beyond that, Klemko seems to think the Seahawks will allow him to depart in free agency based on the numbers he’s heard in regards to Wilson’s asking price.
“Wilson wants to be paid like the type of quarterback who would excel in any offense, without a world-class defense and an All-Pro running back. And despite all of Wilson’s successes, I don’t think John Schneider and his coaches are convinced he’s that kind of quarterback,” Klemko writes.
All indication continue to to point to the Seahawks franchising Wilson after the season.
Wilson confirmed that he took out an insurance policy worth millions of dollars in the event he sustains a career-ending injury this season.
Beyond that, recent reports have said that the Seahawks have been in contact with LB Bobby Wagner about a potential contract extension.
While the Seahawks may not agree with Wilson’s asking price, you would have to think NFL teams would be lining up to sign a quarterback of Wilson’s caliber, seeing as productive quarterbacks very, very rarely become available in the free agent market.
Wilson, 26, still has one year remaining on his four-year, $2.198 million rookie contract, which includes a base salary of $798,651 for the 2015 season.
In 2014, Wilson threw for 3,475 yards while completing 63.1 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for 849 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns over the course of 16 games.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
Without Russell Wilson Seattle wouldn’t have even made it to a super bowl.
I agree. Wilson should be grateful that he played on a team where two touchdowns usually meant a win. Can you imagine how we would be with Arron Rogers. Yet, I’m not thrilled with Bevell’s ability to put the right plays to the right people at the right time.
Seattle has not drafted another QB, found a better back up (or starter not named RW) better than TJack. There is no action on the side of Seattle other than not paying RW that suggests they are anywhere near moving on from him. 3 years from now, depending on JS/PC contract status it might change.
I agree with the article almost to the T. Another Super Bowl championship and he signs long term deal. Franchised next season and let go if theirs no more Lombardi trophies. During the next 2 years Seattle will build the offensive line to protect a traditional pocket passer..DangeRuss has the weapons to prove he’s that pocket passer. Beastmode will have retired and with NoTimeToSleep or not they’ll be ready to roll.
Add one more rumor to the list. This is just one opinion among many and right now no one not involved with the talks seems to really know what’s going on. In the end it will either happen or it won’t and probably for reasons not yet made public. The guess work is just to keep people’s interest during the off season.
I’m very skeptical of this report. It just seems to be out there to get people worked up. I imagine they’re working with him and still trying to get something done. They probably also realize he won’t be able to run like he has forever, so might still be interested to see how he develops over the next year or two and or see how long the D can be as good as they’ve been. Either way, the FO probably has a much better feel for how good Wilson is and how much they think he’ll improve and or evolve over the next few years based on the players around him, so I have full trust they’ll do the needful to put the team in position to compete for as long as possible.
Seattle could conceivably franchise Wilson in back-to-back years if he continues to perform at a high level, so I doubt they feel pressured into signing him to a massive extension right now. Good point about Wilson needing to win more games from the pocket in the coming years as his elusiveness starts to diminish.
They could franchise him again like you said. I think the limit is 3 years right? If Seattle is planning to keep him at his 2015 salary at all costs and do a similar 3 year extension like both Earl/Sherman, it would probably be in both Wilson’s and the team’s best interest to get a deal done rather than franchise tag. Wilson will probably get more money over the 4 years than what he’d get with being franchised every year from here on out and he’ll also get a lot of peace of mind as well. For a dual threat QB who plays with a top tier RB and D, his best interest is probably to strike a deal. If Lynch retires after the season and or the D takes a step back over the next couple years, he faces a reality where his stock might drop if he’s unable to steer the team toward SB’s like has been.