What’s Next For Seattle Seahawks Following Russell Wilson’s Contract?

Photo Credit: EndZoneScore.com

Photo Credit: EndZoneScore.com

SEATTLE – Now that the Seattle Seahawks have signed 26-year-old Russell Wilson to a contract extension, what is next on the agenda for the Seahawks?

The Seahawks have had potentially the most success out of any organization in the past two years, claiming Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos and making an additional appearance in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots.

During the off-season, and when the media was not talking about Patriots’ Tom Brady’s suspension, the hottest news story seemed to be Wilson’s dire need to be the most expensive player in the NFL. Wilson was reportedly seeking a $25 million annual salary, as well as potentially the most guaranteed money in the NFL. It seems that Wilson has settled for less by taking a four-year, $87.6 million contract with $60 million in guarantees; the salary per year would be around the $22 million mark.

Although Wilson’s dilemma and contract negotiations seems to be deluded, there remains other financial issues among the Seahawks. Most recently, safety Kam Chancellor has specified that he will not report to training camp until a new deal is reached; Chancellor’s is in the midst of a four-year, $28 million contract. It is proclaimed official now that Chancellor is holding out due to his second absence from training camp. In addition to Chancellor’s requests, several Seahawks players have been vocal concerning their contract this includes linebacker Bobby Wagner, defensive end Michael Bennett, and linebacker Bruce Irvin.

Shortly following Wilson’s new contract, Wagner took to Twitter with a subtle comment. Wagner is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, but could fall victim to the franchise tag.

One could question asking why are the Seahawks facing these issues now? The answer is simple; they handled themselves well at the drafts in recent years.

In 2010, the Seahawks selected a few notables in Russell Okung, Earl Thomas, Golden Tate, and Chancellor. In 2011 they continued their success by selecting Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell, and Malcolm Smith, all late in the draft. During the 2012 draft, the Seahawks took Irvin, Wagner, Wilson, and Robert Turbin with their first four selections.

The notable players the Seahawks have selected over the course of four years have panned out greatly, aiding to their recent success. Various players who’s contracts are nearing an end, or feel as if they outplayed their contract, are looking to cash in. There seems to be no evident issue for the 2015 season financially for the Seahawks, but we could see that trend change after the season.

For example, Wilson will be owed a base salary of $700,000 for the 2015 season, but will see that numerical value increase to a base salary of $12.34 million in 2016; the value would slowly progress upwards reaching $17 million by 2019.

Flashback to March of 2015 when Irvin had specified that he would be in Atlanta for the following year due to the Seahawks declining his fifth-year option. Reports fluttered following his comments stating that he was misinterpreted. Aside from the point, Irvin remained unhappy due to the decline of his option in his contract. The following tweet is NSFW.

The Seahawks could potentially be in the Super Bowl, yet again, due to their exceptional roster this year, but the future could be viewed as hazy due to contract complications among numerous players. This is the start of something that could be lingering.