Fansided

Russell Wilson’s contract status is murky

By Matt Verderame

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts on the field during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts on the field during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Seahawks are in a tough, but envied position. They have a terrific, young quarterback in Russell Wilson, who is entering the final season of his contract. Wilson, who has been to a pair of Super Bowls and won one of them, has been talking openly about wanting an extension.

Recently, Wilson did an interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith and got to talking about his financial status. After going back and forth with Smith, Wilson said the following, per Pro Football Talk.

"“I think ultimately it comes down to the play,” Wilson said. “Just let my play speak for itself, and let the rest take care of itself. Continue to love the game for what it is, continue to fight, continue to play.  No matter how much I’m getting paid, whether it’s $25 million or $1.5 million. I’ll be ready to go.”"

So, Wilson wants $25 million? Shortly after that interview went public, his agent, Mark Rodgers, turned to Twitter and tweeted that he wished Wilson asked for $40 million, according to PFT.

Both of those numbers would be outrageously cheap for the Seahawks. Wilson is one of the better quarterbacks in the game, giving the dual threat of both his solid arms and electrifying legs. Wilson can be one of the toughest players in the league to gameplan for, throwing for 3,475 yards and running for another 849 yards, combining for 26 touchdowns.

Without much argument, it is safe to say Wilson is a better player than Ryan Tannehill, Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton, and Cam Newton. In the 2014 offseason, Dalton was given a six-year, $115 million deal while Kaepernick signed a six-year, $126 contract extension. This offseason, Tannehill inked an extension of four years and $77 million while Newton cashed in with a five-year, $103.8 million extension.

Most importantly, Dalton received $17 million guaranteed, while Kaepernick checks in at an eye-popping $61 million. Tannehill is getting $45 million guaranteed, while Newton is promised $60 million.

In other words, $25 million guaranteed means Wilson is not even half the player Kaepernick is. There is no way on Earth that Wilson settles for anything less than $50 million guaranteed, and it would be a surprise if he takes below $60 million. The total value of the contract is meaningless, but the guarantees will be fought over for the coming weeks and months.

It’s impossible to see general manager John Schneider letting Wilson hit free agency. At that point, a bidding war would ensue and Seattle could be frozen out. To keep him off the market, Schneider must pony up and pay the man.

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