The Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson hoped to have a new deal in place by the time the team reported to training camp on July 30. As of right now, that doesn't appear to be in the cards. As a result, Seattle has shifted its focus to re-signing 2014 All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner to a long-term deal.
"Negotiations between Wagner and the team have been very active. Both sides working to ensure he is in Seattle for the foreseeable future," NFL.com's Rand Getlin tweeted.
It's no surprise that the Seahawks would want to get an extension done with Wagner. The 25-year-old star is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is coming off a season in which he totaled 104 tackles with 2.0 sacks 18 stuff yards. He is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL.
But the fact that the Seahawks are suddenly so intent on coming to terms with Wagner may be an indication that talks have stalled with Wilson. Deals get done at the last minute in the NFL all the time - just look at Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant - but an extension for a young quarterback is tricky. Given the short window, it seems unlikely that Wilson and Seattle will reach any sort of common ground before training camp, especially if the former third-round pick is hoping to become the NFL's highest paid player after being underpaid for four years.
Wagner, meanwhile, could end up signing for a deal that averages roughly $10 million per year. Inside linebackers are traditionally undervalued in the NFL, so a deal like that would make Wagner the highest paid player at his position ahead of Lawrence Timmons ($9.56 million per year) and NaVorro Bowman ($9.05 million).
