Despite quarterback Russell Wilson's recent four-year extension, meaning he's now under contract with the team for the next five seasons, Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider found a way to complete another important piece of team business before Seattle training camp gets fully underway. It was reported Sunday morning that the Seahawks had locked middle linebacker Bobby Wagner up to his own four-year extension.
"A little more than 36 hours after the team locked up Russell Wilson, NFL Media's Rand Getlin and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the team has agreed to a four-year contract extension with middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. Rapoport reported the extension is for $43 million, with $22 million in guarantees," per NFL.com.
Wagner tweeted a cryptic message in the wake of Wilson's deal, stating simply that the franchise "can't keep everyone." It seemed to point to concern on Wagner's part that he may no longer be in the team's long-term plans, considering that once Wilson's deal kicks in, it'll cost the team approximately $22 million per season on average.
Still, despite Wagner's apparent concerns and the Seahawks limited cap space, Schneider found a way to lock up another of his most important young pieces.
Wagner has become one of the top players at the inside linebacker position since the Seahawks drafted him with a second-round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Utah State. Wagner did miss five games in 2014, but still managed 104 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed.
If Wilson is the literal quarterback of the offense, Wagner is very much the figurative quarterback of the defense. His leadership and ability to defend the pass as well as stop the run have been integral to Seattle's recent run of success.
While getting Wagner and Wilson locked up were important moves for Schneider, it still leaves lingering questions where safety Kam Chancellor and defensive end Michael Bennett are concerned. Though both remain under contract, each player is seeking an upgrade on their current deal.
