Quarterback contracts have been a headline to watch during the NFL offseason as players like Ryan Tannehill and Cam Newton were each locked up for the long-term by their respective teams. However, several big names are looking to be the next to get paid and all negotiations are stalling out at the moment. With free agency on the horizon for players like Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson, which player get inked first?
Prior to the NFL Draft, trade rumors were circling Rivers as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the San Diego Chargers. Rivers denied his desire to move and the idea was dropped. However, the quarterback still has an expiring contract, something the Chargers would ideally like to change sooner rather than later. According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, Rivers is showing little urgency to get a new contract signed which is not making the Chargers very happy at the moment.
When the trade rumors began to hang over Rivers' head, the quarterback stressed that he loves playing in San Diego and he would be willing to listen to contract talks and even stated it would "be awesome" to remain with the Chargers for the long-term. A new contract was expected to get done, but Rivers does not appear to be very thrilled about signing one now. Could it be that he is waiting to see what players like Wilson or Andrew Luck sign in the upcoming year? If available, teams like the Jets or Bears could seriously consider picking him up.
Wilson has been battling for a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks as he desires to be the highest-paid player in the NFL. The Seahawks certainly intend to keep their top quarterback on the roster, but negotiations are stalling as they struggling to determine the exact number to place on Wilson. His contract will be a factor for Rivers and Luck. Wilson told the media that he was indifferent about a deal getting done as negotiations have been off and on.
"Ultimately I believe it will work out, hope that it does," Wilson said, via ESPN.com. "I just take one day at a time. It's a private matter. I don't really talk about that kind of stuff. I'm one of those guys that just believes in just trying to do your best, you know? And if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. So hopefully it's meant to be and we'll just keep moving forward. No matter where I go I always believe that it's going to work out no matter what the situation is."
Wilson's contract could factor into Luck's deal, but that will not be happening this season. According to the Indianapolis Star, the Colts have no plans on giving the quarterback a new deal this offseason and will let Luck play out the season before beginning talks. If Luck has a dominating season like he is predicted to do, the Colts are going to cost themselves more money. That is what the Chargers are trying to avoid.
