Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin is known to be testy in a good way. He shoots back at media members that ask what he deems to be insulting questions, and he's not afraid to challenge teammates and coaches when he believes they are out of line. Baldwin can be a fiery personality at times, but Seattle has always encouraged the sixth-year vet to be himself.
It is that passion and confidence that has enabled Baldwin to fit in so well with the Seahawks and help set the tone for the team.
"Doug Baldwin is what we're all about," general manager John Schneider said. "He has been a heartbeat player since he entered the building."
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, it's very possible that Baldwin is about to exit the building next year.
The former undrafted free agent is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off a career season in which he set personal bests for receptions (78), yards (1,069) and touchdowns (14). His 11 TD catches over the final six weeks topped every other player and even five teams. It could cost as much as $70 million to re-sign the pass-catcher.
Baldwin signed a three-year deal worth $13 million in 2014, a contract he has clearly outplayed. But it doesn't seem realistic to expect the Seahawks, who have long built their team through the running game and defense, to give Baldwin No. 1 wide receiver money in free agency next offseason. Still, Baldwin isn't concerned about the situation.
"If I continue to work hard, If I continue to strive to get better and not focus on things money oriented, it's eventually going to come," he said of a new deal. "And even if it doesn't, I'm fine with that, too, because at the end of the day, I'm controlling what I can control. That's all God gave me, was the tools to control what I can control. If it doesn't work out the way that I want it to work out, that to me is just God telling me that he has a better plan."
The Seahawks have already handed out lucrative extensions to key members of their core, including Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. For a team that doesn't prioritize the passing game as much as others, it would be very easy to see Baldwin become a cap casualty. But Baldwin is taking everything in stride.
"I didn't sign my new deal until almost June last time, so the offer is going to come," he said. "John pretty much told me that the offer was going to come after the draft. Even if it doesn't come, I'm not worried about it. Why not? Because there are other things I value in life. I don't value worrying about that."
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
