Between now and the start of the 2015 regular season, many big-name players poised for 2016 free agency figure to sign extensions to remain with their current teams. Of those potential ’16 free agents, no player will be monitored more closely than Russell Wilson, whose next contract has already been a frequent topic of discussion this offseason.
Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, appeared on the Brock and Salk Show on ESPN 710 Seattle today, and answered plenty of questions about his client’s contract situation, and where negotiations stand with the Seahawks. According to Rodgers, there’s no deadline to get a deal done with Seattle, and Wilson would be happy to play out his current contract. However, the veteran agent, who has dealt primarily with MLB players in the past, is encouraged by how discussions have progressed so far, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times details.
“I would characterize our talks as ongoing, fluid, robust at times, thoughtful,” Rodgers said. “And we’ve made progress . … I would characterize them as positive and encouraging.”
According to Rodgers, 95% of what has been reported on Wilson’s contract talks with the Seahawks has been “off-base,” though he didn’t specify exactly what details in various recent reports were inaccurate. Asked if his client wants to be the highest-paid player in the NFL, Rodgers said that wasn’t necessarily a key factor, suggesting there’s a “danger in getting caught up in those labels.”
Noting that he and Wilson have prepared financially for the quarterback to play out the year on his current salary ($1.542MM), Rodgers indicated that entering the regular season without a new contract in place is possible, but added that Wilson “would love to stay [in Seattle] for a long time,” since he’s “very, very happy” with the Seahawks.
“As long as I’m talking with the Seahawks, it’s with a tone of optimism,” Rodgers said. “The goal here is at the end of the day we have a successful negotiation with the Seahawks.”