Russell Wilson working on huge deal with Seahawks

By Evan Massey | Jan 18, 2015

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks are working on a new deal that would make him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.

The Seattle Seahawks are the defending champions from last NFL season and are looking to knock off the Green Bay Packers at home to get a chance at back-to-back titles. Russell Wilson has turned into one of the better quarterbacks in the league, and he is beginning to close in on a new mega contract extension that would make him the highest-paid quarterback in the league.

Talked about #Seahawks preparing to make Russell Wilson @NFL’s highest-paid QB soon. They know it means they’ll let some FAs walk. Reality
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2015

Wilson has made the Seahawks’ offense much more dangerous than they look on paper. He has the ability to extend plays with his legs, and the arm and brains to make the correct passes. Seattle has Marshawn Lynch in the backfield which is a major help, but defenses have to defend against Wilson’s ability to run the football as well.

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During the 2014 regular season, Wilson ended up throwing for 3,475 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also ran for 849 yards and six touchdowns on the season.

His passing numbers certainly don’t look all that dangerous, but that isn’t how Seattle’s offense works. They are a run first team that needs Wilson to make some plays with his arm every now and then to keep drives alive. Seattle traded away Percy Harvin earlier this season, which has left Wilson with just Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse as his top wide receivers.

It will be very intriguing to see what type of contract numbers the Seahawks are talking about with Wilson. He is very deserving of a big contract extension, but they do have some other talented players that will be looking for new deals in the near future with Lynch being included in that category.

At 26 years of age, Wilson has forced his name into the conversation for joining the “elite” quarterback group. He has won a Super Bowl and put up great numbers in each of his three seasons. There are still some flaws in his game, but he has improved immensely from his rookie year.

All of that being said, he can take another step in the right direction with a big win over the Packers this afternoon. Seattle has put one of the best defenses in the league on the other side of the football to support Wilson, and they have been a big reason for his success over the past three seasons.

Don’t be surprised to see the two sides agree to a new contract in the next few weeks. Both parties want to get a deal done, and the Seahawks know what type of money is fair to offer in this situation.

H/T Ian Rapoport

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