Over the weekend, the Seahawks agreed to a lucrative new deal with their star linebacker and today we learned a little bit more about the deal. The Seahawks didn’t use the preferred contract structure on Bobby Wagner by giving him an $8MM signing bonus and a $4MM option bonus, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com tweets. He also hears that Seattle must exercise its option on Wagner’s 2019 contract year between the first and fifth day of the 2016 league year (link). Wagner, Corry adds, has big per game roster bonuses in his deal that aren’t in the contracts of Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman (link). Here’s more out of the NFC West..
- With new deals for Wagner and quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seahawks have made it clear that they are committed to building a star laden roster while sacrificing elsewhere, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap writes. Seattle has shown a willingness to spend on certain positions while filling in the second tier with rookies and lower payscale “value” players.
- The Rams have made it clear that they would like to get a contract extension done with quarterback Nick Foles, but he isn’t the only pending free agent they’re talking to, as Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com writes. “There is some discussion, yeah that makes sense,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He is not the only one we are talking with. We are talking with a number of our players right now and their representatives. Yeah, we’re heading down that path. I’m really not involved with it other than that I would like to see us get something worked out at some point with him.” The Rams 17 players on their roster that are scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency, including key starters such as Foles, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, safety Rodney McLeod, receiver Brian Quick, and tight end/fullback Cory Harkey. Key depth players such as ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims, defensive tackle Nick Fairley, safety Mark Barron, kicker Greg Zuerlein and quarterback Austin Davis are also due to hit the market. There’s also starting defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who is under control for the 2016 season because of a fifth-year option but has already been in discussions about an extension that would keep the Rams from having to pay him the fifth-year option salary.
- Wilson’s new contract provides stability in Seattle, Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports (video link) says.