SEATTLE _ Yes, there was a tax-day deadline that served as a top headline for myriad national sports outlets. And yes, trade speculation has emerged as doubts about the team's willingness to meet that deadline swirl.
But despite all the histrionics this April, despite all the chatter and hypothesizing, the truth about Russell Wilson's future is this: The Seahawks still have all the leverage.
Last week, Wilson made news by saying he wants Seattle to hammer out a contract extension for him by April 15. His camp's reasoning is that the quarterback market won't change over the next few months, so there's no reason to wait until the summer when the team can act now.
Offering an extension this early would be an unprecedented move for the Pete Carroll-John Schneider-era Seahawks, but you could argue that Wilson is the most valuable player this organization has ever had. So why wait?
Simple. Because they can.
Wilson would likely command an extension that pays him around $35 million a year, which would make him the highest paid player in the NFL. That would be about $12 million more than what he's receiving annually on his current contract, which expires after the 2019 season.
Given the numbers Wilson has put up in Seattle, particularly last year, when he posted a career-best 110.9 passer rating, he has certainly earned a payday. But other than avoiding some possible tension, what good does it do the Seahawks to fully commit to Wilson over the next few days?
Simple. Because they can.
Wilson would likely command an extension that pays him around $35 million a year, which would make him the highest paid player in the NFL. That would be about $12 million more than what he's receiving annually on his current contract, which expires after the 2019 season.
Given the numbers Wilson has put up in Seattle, particularly last year, when he posted a career-best 110.9 passer rating, he has certainly earned a payday. But other than avoiding some possible tension, what good does it do the Seahawks to fully commit to Wilson over the next few days?
There are a multitude of paths the Seahawks can take this offseason or in the years to come. But despite all the noise, they know they don't have to do anything right now.
