Seahawks fans can now breathe a sigh of relief. In the final hours before the deadline, Russell Wilson set to finish contract negotiations, and both parties were able to come to an agreement. The deal is worth $87.6 million over 4 years and puts Wilson right in the company of Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger at $21.9 million per year.
The Seahawks have now locked down the most important position on the field, and they did it their way. Seattle gave Wilson the same structure they had given their previous stars like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, giving them a player friendly deal with a shorter deal and more money. Wilson got the $60 million guaranteed that he reportedly wanted, and he also received $31 million at the initial signing of the contract. It was reported last night that the two sides were still far apart and a deal was unlikely. But, as Ian Rapoport reported, the two sides worked into the night and were able to finally agree to a deal. It's very clear that the guaranteed money was the biggest hold up in the negotiations as it had been reported by Fox Sports that Seattle had offered a similar number earlier in the offseason.
With Wilson in tow for the long term, it opens the door for the Seahawks to focus their full attention on MLB Bobby Wagner, and according to Jason La Canfora the two sides should be able to agree to a deal quickly. Expect the Seahawks to make a few cuts to free themselves off some cap, as Tony McDaniel and Brandon Mebane are both candidates.
It's finally over, as after negotiating all offseason the Seahawks have locked up Russell Wilson, and with that the offseason ends for the Seahawks and football is back. You can't win in the NFL without a QB, and the Seahawks are now in good hands for the foreseeable future.