This has been a whirlwind summer for Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, who finally just signed the contract extension he’s been negotiating for all offseason.
Wagner’s new deal – three years at $54 million – makes him the highest-paid linebacker in the league. But all the time spent focused on the process could likely have taken its toll.
Sitting out all of the Seahawks spring workouts, Wagner now has some catching up to do on the field . . . unlike quarterback Russell Wilson who was able to meet his contract deadline of April 15 and move forward.
“Yeah it’s really important to us,” coach Pete Carroll said after Sunday’s practice. “Russ has had a great offseason. He’s come back flying because his mind has been clear and intent and focused, and all that has been on point. ”
“And Bobby, and this has been a distraction for him, he has to get reset and get back on,” Carroll explained. “He’ll tell you he’s fine, but I do know that he’s dealt with a lot, so we’re going to give him time to make sure he gets his feet on the ground and feels good about everything, really clear.
“But I respect that there has been a lot has taken place and I want to give Bobby time to get back on track and hopefully he’ll do that quickly.”
Sunday marked the first of the Seahawks’ padded practices and Wagner was right there with his teammates. The next few weeks will be important to Wagner as he eases back into the fold.
