The Seattle Seahawks are still working on a contract extension with Russell Wilson this offseason and the team is currently starting talks with Bobby Wagner about a new deal and with training camp on the horizon, the team may look at free agent options like James Jones, Wes Welker or Steve Jackson to add some depth to the roster.
Wilson and the Seahawks have been talking about a deal all offseason and as things stand now, no extension is close to being reached. Earlier in the offseason there were reports that a deal was close, but both sides came out to refute that news. According to the Associated Press, Wilson's agent said that "95 percent" of what has come out about negotiations has not been correct. Wilson reportedly is willing to play out his deal into this year, which could give the Seahawks the chance to use the franchise tag over signing a long term deal.
According to Pro Football Talk, Wilson is taking out an insurance policy for the 2015 season, as he could end up playing out his contract. This would help protect him from a career ending injury. The Seahawks also could be looking for depth at receiver, as names like James Jones, Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne are available. According to Pro Football Talk, Jones could be a potential target for the Seahawks, as they could use a veteran presence alongside Doug Baldwin with Tyler Lockett, Kevin Norwood and Ricardo Lockette on the roster.
Most writers and reporters in the media and around the NFL expect a deal to get done eventually, but the main sticking point now appears to be compensation and years. According to ESPN 710 in Seattle, Wilson and the Seahawks are "10s of millions" apart in talks, with Wilson wanting a deal in the $120 million range. The team has reportedly offered Wilson a deal worth around $80 million and four years, but Wilson wants a longer contract.
Last month head coach Pete Carroll said that talks were "going a little slow, but it's ongoing," but since then there have not been many updates. Wilson is not going to put up numbers like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but the results are what they are. Wilson has been to the playoffs for three straight seasons and has won one Super Bowl while helping his team get to another. Andrew Luck is also due an extension along with Wilson, but Wilson does not have a fifth year option like Luck since he was a third round pick.
The team may consider using the franchise tag on Wilson in the future, but that would pay him a very high salary and for Wilson that may not be favorable, as he wants long term security. Wilson threw 20 touchdowns and just seven picks last season and in each of his first three seasons he has rushed for at least 450 yards and has completed 63 percent of his passes. Wilson has increased his yards passing and yards rushing in each of his three season and has decreased his turnovers.
The team has started talks with Bobby Wagner about a new contract, as the linebacker has been seeking a new deal this offseason. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the team "has opened" talks with Wagner and the two sides could get a deal done before training camp. Bruce Irvin is also looking for a new deal after the team did not pick up his fifth year option.
