RENTON – “Don’t ask, don’t tell” would be a fitting motto for Russell Wilson’s ongoing contract negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks. The franchise quarterback simply wouldn’t budge Thursday when asked about a potential new deal after their only minicamp practice wrapped up at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Wilson is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, which is worth $1.5 million in 2015.
“As you guys know, I’m not going to go into great detail about that at all,” Wilson said. “It’s a private matter.”
Earlier this week, ESPN reported that Wilson took out an insurance policy “worth millions” in the event he sustains a career-ending injury in 2015. Wilson, 26, is set to enter his fourth NFL season. He indicated earlier this year that he is willing to play this season without a new deal.
“In terms of the insurance policy, that’s just being smart if I do have to play this season (without a new deal),” Wilson said. “That’s all that is, really. I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Coach Pete Carroll was asked if he expects a deal to be done before training camp. Carroll said he maintains a constant dialogue with Wilson but hasn’t broached the subject of his contract negotiations.
“They’re still working at it, and I’m hopeful,” he said. “We’re hopeful. That’s why we’re working.”
Thursday marked the Seahawks’ lone mini-camp practice after they were penalized by the NFL and fined more than $300,000 for excessive contact during last year’s practices.
Typically, teams are allotted a maximum of three practices. As the Seahawks enter their individual off-season workouts, reports citing anonymous sources will likely continue to swirl as they try to extend the quarterback that led them to a Super Bowl XLVIII win before last season’s last-minute, 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.
“One thing I do know is it’s business,” Wilson said. “Business is one of those things that’s an interesting thing. I think for me I just look at it that way. I’ve always understood that I’d be at this point some time. I always kind of worked in my mind that I’d have this opportunity and it will work out however it’s supposed to work out. We’ll find out with what happens.”
Contract questions were a theme Thursday. Linebacker Bruce Irvin addressed an off-season report that he wants to return to his hometown and play for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. In May, the Seahawks declined to pick up Irvin’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
“I want to be in Seattle,” Irvin said. “Obviously my words got misinterpreted. You know, 2012 I had a lot of questions coming out before the draft,” “(Carroll) and (general manager) John (Schneider), they stuck their neck out for me, took me in the first round, so why wouldn’t I want to be here?”
“I’m from Atlanta. My whole family’s still in Atlanta. That’s every kid’s dream to play for their home team, but right now I’m in Seattle and I love being in Seattle. Hopefully that’s for the rest of my career.”
Irvin posted 37 tackles, 6.5 sacks and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2014. He admitted Thursday he was surprised when the Seahawks, who selected him with their first round pick in 2012, opted to not pick up the option. He said it also gave him additional motivation but acknowledged the difficulty of trying to re-sign Wilson and Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner.
3 Comments
Wilson IS doing the smart thing with that insurance policy. All these guys should take out insurance on themselves because their contracts are rarely in their favor if they get hurt. It just makes sense financially. Russ is also playing it smart by not commenting on his contract negotiations…leaks never help the process along.
As for Irvin? Meh. He’s improved since his rookie year and is a useful player but Wagner is more important to the defense and is a greater priority. It’s a business at this level, Bruce. Never forget that.
By taking out his own insurance policy tells me that Wilson is preparing for possibly going into the season without signing an extension. That can’t be good for Seahawks fans. If that’s the case the club will move on and begin negotiations with Bobby Wagner and other soon to be free agents. That could mean less money being available for Wilson and if he were to become franchised and that franchise salary puts them over the salary cap that would mean he’d have to be traded. Which I’m sure Wilson is aware of. He seems to very much have the “it’s all a business, it isn’t personal” attitude which is sadly the truth.
I actually viewed Bruce’s rant as an emotional response that said he loved it in Seattle and didn’t want to leave. It’s not easy to accept that you aren’t wanted as much as another player on your team. If Wilson does end up being traded maybe the club will revisit signing Irvin.
Wilson won a super bowl, would have won two more were it not for curious calls by Seahawks offensive and defensive coordinators. 3 super bowls at hand in 3 years..after what..a 40 year drought? Does someone seriously believe there is another qb alive who could, or would have, duplicated this feat? This fooling around with Wilson’s contract makes the hawks look bad. They should have showered him with gifts the last thee years to make up for his paltry salary. Maybe bought him an island and a Tesla Model S for starters. What is Paul Allen thinking about..saving money? Wilson’s made him a fortune. Oh sure..its the pesky salary cap. Is a Salary Cap even legal? Might not be legal but sure is convenient for the owners.when it comes to compensating the leagues stars. Players have to pay for their own on the job injury insurance? Makes second base and a ground rule double look pretty good doesn’t it.t? Time for the NFL owners to grow up, play fair with their players and pay their fair share of taxes.