Report: Russell Wilson ending contract talks if no new deal by Friday
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will end contract talks with the team if he does not receive a long-term deal by Friday, reports ESPN's John Clayton and Jim Trotter.
According to the report, Wilson does not want the negotiations to extend into training camp. The Seahawks report to training camp on Friday.
Wilson is due $1.5 million in base salary in 2015, the final season of his four-year rookie contract. He could be slapped with the franchise tag next year if the two sides do not agree on a deal.
Despite talks, Wilson has said that his relationship with the team is “great” and that he wants to play in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
"Just let my play speak for itself, and let the rest take care of itself. Continue to love the game for what it is, and continue to fight, continue to play,” Wilson told ESPN last month. “No matter how much I’m getting paid, whether it’s $25 million or if its $1.5 million, I’ll be ready to go.”
Wilson, 26, has won more than any other quarterback in the NFL in the past three seasons, coming out victorious in 36 regular-season games and leading the Seahawks to three playoff appearances and one Super Bowl title.
• MMQB: Does Wilson deserve an Aaron Rodgers-type salary?
Pro Football Talk reported that the Seahawks offered Wilson a deal worth nearly $21 million a year, with “significant” guaranteed money.
Currently, there are six players who will receive more than $20 million per season, led by Green Bay Packers quarterback and NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who will make $22 million a year.
Ben Roethlisberger ($21.85 million), Cam Newton (20.76 million), Matt Ryan $20.75 million, Joe Flacco ($20.1 million) and Drew Brees ($20 million) are the other highest paid players in the NFL.
- Scooby Axson
