Seattle’s NFC West rival, the San Francisco 49ers, intend to sign inside linebacker Kwon Alexander to a record-breaking four-year, $54 million contract expected to guarantee the former Buccaneer $27 million.
While this news affects the Seahawks in a variety of ways, perhaps its biggest influence will be on the future contract negotiations for star middle linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Wagner is under contract through the 2019 season, the final year of his four-year, $43 million extension. He is expected to command a hefty payday, one that is well-deserved after he defended his place as the top middle linebacker in the NFL last season, putting together one of the best years of his career.
With Alexander set to earn $13.5 million per season, and with former Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley expected to land a contract at a similar value, Wagner’s demands will likely start in the $14-15 million dollar range annually.
Seattle will also be looking to extend quarterback Russell Wilson and potentially defensive tackle Jarran Reed at the same time, which could make the next few years very limiting financially for a Seahawks team looking to get back to their Super Bowl ways.
