Russell Wilson has been back leading the Seattle Seahawks offense in OTAs the last two days after missing the first week to attend memorial services with teammates Jimmy Graham and Cliff Avril.
Wilson is continuing to go about his business despite ongoing discussions between his agent, Mark Rodgers, and the team over a new contract. Wilson is set to make just over $1.5 million in the final year of his rookie contract in 2015. Meanwhile, Cam Newton signed a five-year extension with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday worth $103.8 million in new money.
Wilson echoed his agent’s comments from last week that he would be willing to play out the final year of his rookie deal, if necessary, but said he’s hopeful something can be worked out with the Seahawks.
“Ultimately I believe it will work out, hope that it does,” Wilson said after practice. “I just take one day at a time. It’s a private matter. I don’t really talk about that kind of stuff.”
Wilson should love seeing the addition of Jimmy Graham as well. Graham hauled in at least five touchdown receptions during red zone drills during the team’s practice on Tuesday, highlighting the red zone potential the Seahawks could have this season.
Wilson said he is staying informed on the discussions between his agent and the team. However, Wilson was mum on providing any insight into those discussions.
“I’m one of those guys that just believes in just trying to do your best, you know?” Wilson said. “And if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. So hopefully it’s meant to be and we’ll just keep moving forward.
“No matter where I go I always believe that it’s going to work out no matter what the situation is,” he added. “And I hope that it’s here and I hope that it’s here for a long time and hopefully I get to wear the Seahawks blue in No. 3 for a long time. But we’ll see what happens.”
Newton’s new deal could help narrow the focus on both sides in finding the right number for Wilson. The Seahawks have made it to the playoffs three times with at least one postseason victory in each of Wilson’s first three years with two Super Bowl appearances and one title. Wilson’s new contract should come in above that of Newton’s new deal.
Ultimately, it still seems somewhat unlikely that Wilson would forgo a fair offer for the Seahawks and elect to chance playing out his final season at $1.5 million and risk injury or a down year hurting his value as he heads toward free agency.