The Seattle Seahawks are working on a Russell Wilson contract extension this offseason and after comments he made to Real Sports in an interview about playing baseball, John Schneider and the team may add some provisions to his deal and this comes as the team is considering picking up the fifth year option on linebacker Bruce Irvin and as players like TJ Yeldon, Chris Conley and Phillip Dorsett are draft targets.
Wilson is coming into the final year of his deal and he will be paid over $1 million this season after being in the six figures during his first few seasons. According to Pro Football Talk, the two sides have not gotten deep into negotiations yet, but an extension deal could be reached before the season starts. Wilson has been wildly successful in the NFL and since he was a third round pick, he does not have a fifth year option like Irvin does.
Wilson reportedly could get part of his contract fully guaranteed, with NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport writing earlier in the offseason that it could be 60-75 percent guaranteed. Most teams do not go that route with players, but with Wilson so far being injury free and a good player off and on the field, he could be in line for a deal like that. Wilson has had a low cap hit for three years and the Seahawks would love to find a way to keep it low, as he is expected to be one of the top paid players in the league on his new deal.
Wilson is set to be the highest paid player on the Seahawks once his deal is done, as he is currently getting just a little over $1 million this year. The Seahawks have added Jimmy Graham and his $27 million, while Marshawn Lynch just got a new deal worth over $10 million for 2015. Wilson has become one of the biggest stars in the NFL and his jersey is the top seller.
Wilson made some comments about his baseball career and about the possibility of playing both sports. Wilson said he would love to play in the major leagues and that Rangers GM Jon Daniels has spoken to him about it, as Texas has his draft rights. Wilson spoke about it in his Real Sports interview and while it's unlikely it happens, it could cause concern for the Seahawks.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Seahawks have not yet decided about what to do on Irvin and his fifth year option, as Schneider said that the team has not made a decision. Irvin will be paid $7.8 million for the 2016 season if the contract is picked up and it comes after the team lost Malcolm Smith to the Raiders this offseason. Irvin has become a key playmaker and he had 37 tackles with 6.5 sacks last season.
The Seahawks gave up their first round pick for Graham and that means they will be looking deep for quality players. According to Terry Blount at ESPN.com, team could look at names like Chris Conley, Breshad Perriman and Phillip Dorsett as well as Justin Hardy in the draft, as the team has a need at WR after trading away Percy Harvin and losing Golden Tate the year before.