The Seattle Seahawks are heading into OTAs and Russell Wilson is coming into the final year of his contract, but so far extension talks are not close with the quarterback and this comes as the team has rookies Tyler Lockett and Frank Clark pushing to start in offseason workouts after being drafted last month.
The Seahawks are returning after another successful season and the biggest priority for the team is taking care of Wilson's future. The two sides appeared to be close to a deal after reports came out in April that Wilson was ready to agree, but those ended up being premature. According to ESPN 710 in Seattle, the Seahawks and Wilson are not close in contract extension talks and the two sides are "10s of millions" apart and that could push things into the season if a contract is not agreed to soon.
Wilson reportedly wants at least $100 million in his contract extension and the Seattle Times reports that the team has offered him $80 million on a four year deal. Wilson reportedly is looking for more years and more money and if this continues, he could look at forcing the team to use the franchise tag on him. Getting tagged would pay Wilson the salary he is looking for, but it would not give him the security that a long term contract gives.
Wilson's future is in Seattle, but it could take a while to figure out the details. The team comes into OTA workouts with Lockett and Clark looking to prove themselves and they have the chance to contribute this season. Michael Bennett and Bruce Irvin have contract issues and could be gone this year or next and that gives Clark a chance to step up. Lockett could take over for Percy Harvin and he could be a nice addition for Wilson alongside Doug Baldwin.
The team already has Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Bruce Irvin on defense, so it's not like they "needed" Clark, but the defense would be even better if he turns out to be an effective pro. The team has Irvin and Bennett looking for new contracts and team also will have to take care of Bobby Wagner. Wagner has proven to be a very valuable player for the Seahawks and the team will have to be smart with where they invest with the way the cap is and with Wilson's deal coming.
According to CBS Sports, Wilson "wants to sign" his extension with the Seattle Seahawks, but he also feels he deserves to be paid a high salary. Wilson was a third round pick and was on six figure cap hits for a few years and now he is looking to cash in, as he has said he loves the Pacific northwest. Early reports this offseason had the deal close to getting done and now Wilson could be in line to be one of the highest paid players in football.
The team brought back Marshawn Lynch after some dispute this offseason and Wilson likely will get things done at some point with the Seahawks. Wilson is set to get a new contract and based on what he has done in his young career, he could end up being one of the highest paid players in the league. The signing of Lynch by the Seahawks and the trade of Jimmy Graham has the team in a decently tight cap situation.