The bar has been set for quarterback contracts. With several quarterbacks from the 2012 draft class ready to sign contract extensions, Ryan Tannehill was the first to earn his pay day which sets the tone for the rest of the market. The Miami Dolphins announced Tannhill's new deal worth six years and $96 million which has the Seattle Seahawks preparing to shell out more money than expected for Russell Wilson.
According to Tannehill's agent Pat Dye, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider called him after the contract terms were released and said, "Congrats, you just cost me a lot of money." ESPN NFL Nation reported James Walker first reported the joke from Scheider which may or may not turn out to be true. NFL sources have been reporting that Wilson's contract was expected to hover somewhere around seven years and $127 million which is similar to what Jay Cutler signed. Is that price now going up?
Wilson is better than Tannehill considering his resume includes a two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl ring. According to SBNation.com, Wilson originally balked at a contract that would pay him $16 million per season. The key to Tannehill's deal is the $45 million guaranteed money. Sources predict Wilson will want around 70 percent to 80 percent of his contract guaranteed which is where negotiations are stalling.
Tannehill's deal does not just impact Wilson. According to Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee, the team is going to have to shell out a huge amount of money for Andrew Luck who is also better than Tannehill. McAfree tweeted, "Well today's market showed that a 25-25 record gets you 96 million American dollars...Andrew's about to own a team I think." He could be right. With the market set, both Wilson and Luck could become the highest-paid players in the league. The Colts picked up Luck's fifth-year option and ESPN reports he will not get a new deal until next year.
Cam Newton is expected to quickly follow both Wilson and Luck. The Carolina Panthers quarterback has made it clear he is very comfortable waiting for the market to work itself out before gets his money. Robert Griffin III will be after him. According to the Washington Post, Griffin's fifth-year option was picked up, but that in no way indicates he is getting an extension as the Redskins want to see improvement before handing out more money.