Russell Wilson, who has two consecutive super bowl appearances, is set to play for an insufficient 1.5 million next season. Wilson is still playing under his rookie contract, but that won’t be for long. 2015 is the last season Wilson will be under contract so it is time to pay that man. The lone issue is reports that Wilson is not pleased with what Seattle appears to be offering. Seattle offered Wilson a contract similar to that of Cam Newton’s, not what he was looking for. Newton received a wealthy extension from Carolina, adding five years worth 103.76 million, but Wilson is seeking to be the highest paid player in the NFL. Wilson stated how he would like to stay in Seattle however, dispelled the notion that he was opposed to leaving; “I’ve moved on before” Wilson stated. Seattle did not exactly “low ball” Wilson with their offer, but Wilson believes he deserves more money. So who will give in first, the Seahawks or Wilson? Or is there really a divorce set to take place between Seattle and their poised signal caller.
Contract disputes are common in the NFL, but not with quarterbacks; especially super bowl winning ones at that. Usually whenever a quarterback prevails and wins a ring their franchise rewards them with lucrative contracts, often overpaid. For example Joe Flacco was not viewed as an elite quarterback, but after a super bowl run he was paid like one. Contract Negotiations are all about value and Wilson is saying he should be paid as a more valuable player then Cam Newton. There is no disputing Wilson has been more successful than Newton. You can talk night and day about the supporting cast Wilson has around him, but it take the poise of a quarterback to make sure his team wins. And in his early career, Wilson has experienced success that is beyond his years.
Entering his fourth season, Wilson is 36-12 not including the playoffs. But it is injustice to ignore what he has done in the postseason. He has yet to miss the playoffs, and has a record of 5-2 in the postseason with two super bowl appearances and one victory. His career statistics, in the regular season, are quite impressive. Through the air Wilson has accumilated 9,950 yards, with a 63.4 completion percentage, in addition to 72 touchdowns to just 26 interceptions. What makes Wilson special is is athleticism. Wilson is a dynamic duo from the quarterback position who is constantly capable of gaining yards on the ground.
Wilson has averaged 6.1 yards per carry and has 1,877 yards with 11 touchdowns.
If the two sides can’t come to an agreement and Wilson is free to join a new team, he would be best suited for the organization that planned on drafting him in 2011, the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to Seattle drafting Wilson in the third round, he was on Philadelphia’s radar. According to Daniel Jeremiah, former Eagles scout, the Eagles targeted Wilson, and Wilson was intrigued. Jeremiah stated that Wilson told him multiple times that if the Eagles drafted him that he would lead them to “championships”. Although, Andy Reid was the coach when the Eagles almost drafted Wilson, Chip Kelly is a better coach for Wilson to play under. Kelly’s system has proven to be very quarterback friendly. Several quarterbacks have shown flashes of very good play under Kelly, such as Michael Vick, Nick Foles, and yes even Mark Sanchez. Wilson’s athleticism and accuracy would allow for him to excel with the Eagles even more than he has thus far in his career. Wilson has made a living off the read-option and no team in the NFL runs it more than the Eagles.
Wilson would also be a fantastic addition to the culture in Philadelphia; a great player who is team first and is willing to work hard. Wilson would post career numbers and win multiple super bowls if he were to pair with Chip Kelly. Yes, he has a great supporting cast in Seattle that includes the best defense in the NFL and one of the best running backs, Marshawn Lynch. However, when it was time to step up and make plays, Wilson delivered.
Wilson is contingent on getting guaranteed money that exceeds the contract of Newton’s which is 60 million. The following quarterbacks have more guaranteed money than Newton, Ben Rothlesburger and Colin Kaepernick. If Kaepernick is getting paid that kind of money than there is no question Wilson will be. It remains to be seen whether or not he get’s what he deserves from Seattle or from another franchise. If Seattle is foolish enough to let Wilson leave, Chip Kelly should find a way to grab him.
