The Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson are currently engaged in a game of chicken as it relates to the star’s contract with an April 15 deadline, imposed by Wilson, being the key.
There are conflicting reports about what the deadline really means. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Wilson will withdraw from negotiations if no deal is struck by April 15 and that next offseason could result in a franchise tag.
On the flip side comes a report from Greg Bell of The News Tribune, which indicates the deadline is nothing more than “leveraging, posturing, window-dressing.” He also says the Seahawks know they have to pay big and wrote, “Wilson is commanding, and will eventually get, NFL’s richest deal.”
Currently set to play out the final year of his current deal without an extension, Wilson is due to make $21.9 million in 2019 — good for 12th in the NFL at the quarterback position.
A Super Bowl champ, Wilson is coming off a solid 2018 season in which he threw for 3,448 yards with 35 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.