9:12pm: Contrary to Blount’s earlier report, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora tweets that an agreement on a new contract is not imminent between the Seahawks and Wilson.
9:10am: After months of speculation, it’s sounding like the Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson are approaching a new deal. According to ESPN.com’s Terry Blount (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com), the two sides are “very close” to agreeing on a new contract.
“From what I’ve been told they’re very close, they’re just trying to make sure every single thing is in place before they go forward with this,” Blount said while appearing on 710 ESPN Radio in Seattle. “I think it’s going to be bigger and crazier and different from what any contract has ever been.”
We heard in January that Wilson was expected to become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. This would be a significant raise, as Wilson is set to make less than $800K in 2015. For comparison, Aaron Rodgers, the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, makes an average of $22MM a season.
Of course, there’s no denying that Wilson would be worth a lucrative extension. The 26-year-old has already made two Super Bowl appearances since entering the league in 2012, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Wilson finished 2014 with 3,475 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The speedster also ran for 849 yards on 118 carries, collecting six additional touchdowns. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Wilson 11th among 39 quarterback candidates, and the website particularly valued his running skills, as he earned the distinction of being the top rushing quarterback.
The Seahawks have been particularly busy this offseason. The team extended Marshawn Lynch, handing the running back a new two-year, $24MM contract. The team also acquired tight end Jimmy Graham, who is less than a year removed from signing a four-year, $40MM extension.