Despite talk that there was "pessimism" around a new contract for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported just prior to 10 am on Friday morning that Wilson and the Hawks had come to terms on a long-term contract extension.
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have agreed to a 4-year, $87.6-million extension, per source.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) July 31, 2015
The new Wilson deal includes a $31-million signing bonus, with approximately $60-million guaranteed. — Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) July 31, 2015
The deal averages $21.9-miilion a year, a smidge less than top deal in football, Aaron Rodgers’ $22-million per. — Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) July 31, 2015
Wilson and ‘Hawks beat a 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. ET) deadline for a new deal. That’s how close the 2 sides came to a deal not getting done. — Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) July 31, 2015
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk clarified that Wilson's deal is, indeed, an extension, meaning it will kick in after this coming season.
Per source, Russell Wilson deal is indeed a four-year extension; he's under contract for five years, at $89.1 million. — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 31, 2015
While the team has not yet confirmed the deal, Wilson took to twitter shortly thereafter to voice his joy at finally signing a pact that will keep him in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
Blessed to be w/ this organization for 4 more years! Can't wait to get on field w/ the fellas! @Seahawks #ChampionshipMindset #GoHawks — Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 31, 2015
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, there were whispers that a deal could be coming late Thursday.
Concession for Seattle was offering 4 years, which is rare for QB contracts. As of around 11 pm last night, there were whispers of progress — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2015
As Rapoport notes, it is an odd deal for a franchise quarterback - they tend to be longer than just four years - but it makes sense considering the factors behind the negotiations. Wilson, despite not putting up "elite" stats, has helmed the Seahawks to a nearly unprecedented run of success over his first three seasons in the NFL, including two straight Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy. There's also Wilson's agent, Mark Rodgers, a baseball rep by trade, to consider. Rodgers was said to be more than willing to push the situation to the point where Wilson reached unrestricted free agency.
Now though, it seems Wilson will remain at the top of the signal-caller depth chart in Seattle for at least the next five years. He will be 30 by the time his extension runs out.
UPDATE, 1:30 PM: The Seahawks confirmed Wilson's signing on their team website.
