Quarterback Russell Wilson is entering the final year of his rookie contract and hasn’t been able to agree to terms with the Seahawks on a new deal, but that won’t be the reason why Wilson misses the start of the team’s organized team activities on Tuesday.
Danny O’Neil of 710 ESPN in Seattle reports that Wilson will be absent from the team’s first workout of the third phase of the offseason program because of a personal matter. Because Wilson’s absence from a voluntary practice isn’t contract related, it’s not going to move the needle closer to an agreement although a day of watching B.J. Daniels and R.J. Archer running the offense may push Seattle closer to bringing in a veteran backup for Wilson.
Wilson won’t be the only Seahawk veteran missing on Tuesday. Tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Cliff Avril will also be away from the team while dealing with their own personal matters.
Defensive end Michael Bennett makes it four absences, although his issue continues to be one of dissatisfaction with his contract a year after signing it.
UPDATE 12:02 p.m. ET: Wilson and Graham are in Miami, attending the funeral of Graham’s manager and mentor.