Rapoport: Wilson's agent likely to end contract talks soon

[hawknation2015]

if you slap that on him you leave yourself open to get Hutchinson'd on a deal.

If Wilson decides he would rather play for the Cleveland Browns for $30 million a year, then so be it.

If he wants to sign a deal to be the highest paid player in the league and be a Seahawk, then he will be a Seahawk. If he doesn't care about winning and just wants to squeeze as much out of the deal as he possibly can, then he will be a Brown.

Then Mark Rodgers can pat himself on the back for serving the best "interests" of his client.

 

[Hasselbeck]

Then Mark Rodgers can pat himself on the back for serving the best "interests" of his client.

Rodgers wouldn't care after he gets that commission check.

It's his M.O. to get his client paid - on the open market.

 

[onanygivensunday]

Another scary profile of Wilson's "father figure"/attorney chasing that bottom line . . .
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seah ... ll-wilson/

“If I was going to criticize anything in the NFL, people in general don’t put enough value in free agency,’’ Rodgers said. “They don’t really wrap their arms around the idea of the kind of leverage and opportunity that it presents for their clients, because at the end of the day, the only way to truly find out a player’s value is to take them into a free market and let the bidding begin.’’

My crystal ball says that Wilson plays out this year for $1.5M.

The Hawks put the exclusive tag on him in 2016. (The non-exclusive tag is an option as well but I won't go down that path in this post.)

On advice from his agent, Wilson holds out and doesn't sign the franchise tag offer until Seattle finally concedes that they won't franchise him in 2017. In 2017, Wilson and his agent get their wish... he is an UFA... and Seattle has to pay through the nose if they want to retain him.

From the team's perspective, they have the 2016 and 2017 drafts to find their next QB... or failing that, they sign Russell at top dollar prior to the start of the 2017 season.

 

[hawknation2015]

Another scary profile of Wilson's "father figure"/attorney chasing that bottom line . . .
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seah ... ll-wilson/

“If I was going to criticize anything in the NFL, people in general don’t put enough value in free agency,’’ Rodgers said. “They don’t really wrap their arms around the idea of the kind of leverage and opportunity that it presents for their clients, because at the end of the day, the only way to truly find out a player’s value is to take them into a free market and let the bidding begin.’’

My crystal ball says that Wilson plays out this year for $1.5M.

The Hawks put the exclusive tag on him in 2016. (The non-exclusive tag is an option as well but I won't go down that path in this post.)

On advice from his agent, Wilson holds out and doesn't sign the franchise tag offer until Seattle finally concedes that they won't franchise him in 2017. In 2017, Wilson and his agent get their wish... he is an UFA... and Seattle has to pay through the nose if they want to retain him.

From the team's perspective, they have the 2016 and 2017 drafts to find their next QB... or failing that, they sign Russell at top dollar prior to the start of the 2017 season.

If they put the exclusive tag on him next year, which Rodgers is hoping for, then the Seahawks will already be paying through the nose . . . $25+ million or 16% of next year's cap.

 

[Chawker]

I disagree with Rapoport ! And here's why. He (Wilson's agent) will continue to try because, if..... they don't get a deal done now, and Wilson plays with his current contract that less money both will receive over the potential life of Wilson playing career. One less year of a contract of this nature is a lot of money. So this is just using the media as a leveraging tool, that will in the end, will just work in the favor of the Seahawks. And its just one example of how this ding bat agent has no business tring to do a NFL contract. Pure and simple. :177692:

 

[hawknation2015]

I disagree with Rapoport ! And here's why. He (Wilson's agent) will continue to try because, if..... they don't get a deal done now, and Wilson plays with his current contract that less money both will receive over the potential life of Wilson playing career. One less year of a contract of this nature is a lot of money. So this is just using the media as a leveraging tool, that will in the end, will just work in the favor of the Seahawks. And its just one example of how this ding bat agent has no business tring to do a NFL contract. Pure and simple. :177692:

I think Rodgers might be insecure about continuing his negotiations while Wilson is at VMAC, susceptible to being influenced by sane voices explaining the advantages of ending the uncertainty by signing his extension.

 

[Hasselbeck]

Another scary profile of Wilson's "father figure"/attorney chasing that bottom line . . .
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seah ... ll-wilson/

“If I was going to criticize anything in the NFL, people in general don’t put enough value in free agency,’’ Rodgers said. “They don’t really wrap their arms around the idea of the kind of leverage and opportunity that it presents for their clients, because at the end of the day, the only way to truly find out a player’s value is to take them into a free market and let the bidding begin.’’

My crystal ball says that Wilson plays out this year for $1.5M.

The Hawks put the exclusive tag on him in 2016. (The non-exclusive tag is an option as well but I won't go down that path in this post.)

On advice from his agent, Wilson holds out and doesn't sign the franchise tag offer until Seattle finally concedes that they won't franchise him in 2017. In 2017, Wilson and his agent get their wish... he is an UFA... and Seattle has to pay through the nose if they want to retain him.

From the team's perspective, they have the 2016 and 2017 drafts to find their next QB... or failing that, they sign Russell at top dollar prior to the start of the 2017 season.

Yep ... agree 100% with this.

 

[BadgerVid]

I disagree with Rapoport ! And here's why. He (Wilson's agent) will continue to try because, if..... they don't get a deal done now, and Wilson plays with his current contract that less money both will receive over the potential life of Wilson playing career. One less year of a contract of this nature is a lot of money. So this is just using the media as a leveraging tool, that will in the end, will just work in the favor of the Seahawks. And its just one example of how this ding bat agent has no business tring to do a NFL contract. Pure and simple. :177692:

The problem with this is that, according to every "knowledgeable report", the 'Hawks are determined not to add any money to his '15 compensation. This means that all RW loses by waiting the year is:
1) The security that comes with a long term contract and
2) Whatever interest and/or investment income that might accrue from the signing bonus.

 

[rideaducati]

If you read up on Mark Rodgers, you will quickly see that the thing he does most for his baseball clients is that he gets them to free agency. He squeezed the Mets on Mike Hampton. He's squeezed several teams already on Jeff Samardzija

Those saying Russell has no leverage are kidding themselves. He has plenty of leverage and he and his agent knows it. Also the tag numbers kidhawk posted are for the non-exclusive franchise tender.. if you slap that on him you leave yourself open to get Hutchinson'd on a deal. The exclusive rights tender would be a touch north of 25M for 2016... 2017 that same tender would be too much to use.

So they have between now and February 2017 to get something done.. and given his agents history, I don't think its a safe bet to assume that happens if his ultimate goal is to get his client to free agency.

I think the only way this realistically gets done is if..

1) Wilson tells his agent to cut the crap and work out a deal with the Seahawks and that he doesn't want to leave.
2) Wilson fires his agent outright then works out a deal with new agent or separate from one (not unprecedented, has happened many times)
3) JS concedes and overpays

This isn't even factoring in a possible Andrew Luck extension before Wilson's deal is done... or another Super Bowl win + possible MVP.. which only raises that price even more.

Those saying Russell has leverage now are kidding themselves. Leverage TWO YEARS FROM NOW doesn't mean he has leverage. What can Russell Wilson possibly do today that would make the Seahawks cater to his supposed ridiculous demands? Quit? That isn't really leverage because he wants to be the best QB in the history of the NFL and if he quits, that can't possibly happen. What else can he do? NOTHING.

The Seahawks have the leverage. The Seahawks have what Russell wants..money and Russell's rights for at least two more seasons, probably three. There is NOTHING Russell can do to get either of those things TODAY that is not controlled by the Seahawks.

The "leverage" people think Russell has equates to walking into a bank and telling them to give you all their money now or in two years you're going to rob the bank. Just think, in two years the bank will have more money in it and they will lose more money if they don't just hand over the money today.

 

[hawknation2015]

If you read up on Mark Rodgers, you will quickly see that the thing he does most for his baseball clients is that he gets them to free agency. He squeezed the Mets on Mike Hampton. He's squeezed several teams already on Jeff Samardzija

Those saying Russell has no leverage are kidding themselves. He has plenty of leverage and he and his agent knows it. Also the tag numbers kidhawk posted are for the non-exclusive franchise tender.. if you slap that on him you leave yourself open to get Hutchinson'd on a deal. The exclusive rights tender would be a touch north of 25M for 2016... 2017 that same tender would be too much to use.

So they have between now and February 2017 to get something done.. and given his agents history, I don't think its a safe bet to assume that happens if his ultimate goal is to get his client to free agency.

I think the only way this realistically gets done is if..

1) Wilson tells his agent to cut the crap and work out a deal with the Seahawks and that he doesn't want to leave.
2) Wilson fires his agent outright then works out a deal with new agent or separate from one (not unprecedented, has happened many times)
3) JS concedes and overpays

This isn't even factoring in a possible Andrew Luck extension before Wilson's deal is done... or another Super Bowl win + possible MVP.. which only raises that price even more.

Those saying Russell has leverage now are kidding themselves. Leverage TWO YEARS FROM NOW doesn't mean he has leverage. What can Russell Wilson possibly do today that would make the Seahawks cater to his supposed ridiculous demands? Quit? That isn't really leverage because he wants to be the best QB in the history of the NFL and if he quits, that can't possibly happen. What else can he do? NOTHING.

The Seahawks have the leverage. The Seahawks have what Russell wants..money and Russell's rights for at least two more seasons, probably three. There is NOTHING Russell can do to get either of those things TODAY that is not controlled by the Seahawks.

The "leverage" people think Russell has equates to walking into a bank and telling them to give you all their money now or in two years you're going to rob the bank. Just think, in two years the bank will have more money in it and they will lose more money if they don't just hand over the money today.

He can refuse to sign an extension that would make him the highest paid player in the league. This would create a lot of uncertainty and distraction for the team this season. He could then force them to pay him $25+ million next year under the exclusive tag or allow him to negotiate with other teams under the non-exclusive tag. Under that tag, he can sign a ridiculous contract with another team that he knows Seattle cannot match. The next year, if he remains a Seahawk, he can force the team to spend $30 million on him with a 2nd exclusive tag.

Yes, he and his agent have the opportunity to extract maximum damage, i.e. leverage, if they so choose.

 

[rideaducati]

If you read up on Mark Rodgers, you will quickly see that the thing he does most for his baseball clients is that he gets them to free agency. He squeezed the Mets on Mike Hampton. He's squeezed several teams already on Jeff Samardzija

Those saying Russell has no leverage are kidding themselves. He has plenty of leverage and he and his agent knows it. Also the tag numbers kidhawk posted are for the non-exclusive franchise tender.. if you slap that on him you leave yourself open to get Hutchinson'd on a deal. The exclusive rights tender would be a touch north of 25M for 2016... 2017 that same tender would be too much to use.

So they have between now and February 2017 to get something done.. and given his agents history, I don't think its a safe bet to assume that happens if his ultimate goal is to get his client to free agency.

I think the only way this realistically gets done is if..

1) Wilson tells his agent to cut the crap and work out a deal with the Seahawks and that he doesn't want to leave.
2) Wilson fires his agent outright then works out a deal with new agent or separate from one (not unprecedented, has happened many times)
3) JS concedes and overpays

This isn't even factoring in a possible Andrew Luck extension before Wilson's deal is done... or another Super Bowl win + possible MVP.. which only raises that price even more.

Those saying Russell has leverage now are kidding themselves. Leverage TWO YEARS FROM NOW doesn't mean he has leverage. What can Russell Wilson possibly do today that would make the Seahawks cater to his supposed ridiculous demands? Quit? That isn't really leverage because he wants to be the best QB in the history of the NFL and if he quits, that can't possibly happen. What else can he do? NOTHING.

The Seahawks have the leverage. The Seahawks have what Russell wants..money and Russell's rights for at least two more seasons, probably three. There is NOTHING Russell can do to get either of those things TODAY that is not controlled by the Seahawks.

The "leverage" people think Russell has equates to walking into a bank and telling them to give you all their money now or in two years you're going to rob the bank. Just think, in two years the bank will have more money in it and they will lose more money if they don't just hand over the money today.

He can refuse to sign an extension that would make him the highest paid player in the league. This would create a lot of uncertainty and distraction for the team this season. He could then force them to pay him $25+ million next year under the exclusive tag or allow him to negotiate with other teams under the non-exclusive tag. Under that tag, he can sign a ridiculous contract with another team that he knows Seattle cannot match. The next year, if he remains a Seahawk, he can force the team to spend $30 million on him with a 2nd exclusive tag.

Yes, he and his agent have the agility to extract a lot of damage, i.e. leverage, if they so choose.

Russell is already refusing to sign a contract. How does refusing to sign an extension give him leverage today? It doesn't. Russell CAN'T force the Seahawks to pay him $25 million next year TODAY. Hell the Seahawks CAN'T put the franchise tag on him today anyway.

Russell is at least two years away from having any leverage at all. Not having any leverage for that long is another reason that I believe Russell will sign an extension before the next regular season game.

 

[hawknation2015]

Russell is already refusing to sign a contract. How does refusing to sign an extension give him leverage today? It doesn't. Russell CAN'T force the Seahawks to pay him $25 million next year TODAY. Hell the Seahawks CAN'T put the franchise tag on him today anyway.

Russell is at least two years away from having any leverage at all.

You don't think after this season he has leverage if he hasn't signed an extension?

$25+ million or 16% of the cap under the exclusive tag
vs.
$20+ million or 13% of the cap under the non-exclusive tag, with the ability to agree to terms with a different team.

 

[Tical21]

If you read up on Mark Rodgers, you will quickly see that the thing he does most for his baseball clients is that he gets them to free agency. He squeezed the Mets on Mike Hampton. He's squeezed several teams already on Jeff Samardzija

Those saying Russell has no leverage are kidding themselves. He has plenty of leverage and he and his agent knows it. Also the tag numbers kidhawk posted are for the non-exclusive franchise tender.. if you slap that on him you leave yourself open to get Hutchinson'd on a deal. The exclusive rights tender would be a touch north of 25M for 2016... 2017 that same tender would be too much to use.

So they have between now and February 2017 to get something done.. and given his agents history, I don't think its a safe bet to assume that happens if his ultimate goal is to get his client to free agency.

I think the only way this realistically gets done is if..

1) Wilson tells his agent to cut the crap and work out a deal with the Seahawks and that he doesn't want to leave.
2) Wilson fires his agent outright then works out a deal with new agent or separate from one (not unprecedented, has happened many times)
3) JS concedes and overpays

This isn't even factoring in a possible Andrew Luck extension before Wilson's deal is done... or another Super Bowl win + possible MVP.. which only raises that price even more.

Those saying Russell has leverage now are kidding themselves. Leverage TWO YEARS FROM NOW doesn't mean he has leverage. What can Russell Wilson possibly do today that would make the Seahawks cater to his supposed ridiculous demands? Quit? That isn't really leverage because he wants to be the best QB in the history of the NFL and if he quits, that can't possibly happen. What else can he do? NOTHING.

The Seahawks have the leverage. The Seahawks have what Russell wants..money and Russell's rights for at least two more seasons, probably three. There is NOTHING Russell can do to get either of those things TODAY that is not controlled by the Seahawks.

The "leverage" people think Russell has equates to walking into a bank and telling them to give you all their money now or in two years you're going to rob the bank. Just think, in two years the bank will have more money in it and they will lose more money if they don't just hand over the money today.

He can refuse to sign an extension that would make him the highest paid player in the league. This would create a lot of uncertainty and distraction for the team this season. He could then force them to pay him $25+ million next year under the exclusive tag or allow him to negotiate with other teams under the non-exclusive tag. Under that tag, he can sign a ridiculous contract with another team that he knows Seattle cannot match. The next year, if he remains a Seahawk, he can force the team to spend $30 million on him with a 2nd exclusive tag.

Yes, he and his agent have the opportunity to extract maximum damage, i.e. leverage, if they so choose.

How is this a bad thing for the Seahawks? They're going to have to pay him near that much anyway, plus guarantee a bunch for upcoming years. If he's demanding 25 or over for several years, signing him to 1 year for 30 isn't a bad deal for the team. Russell is doing the posturing because that is all that players that have no leverage can do. He needs to threaten that he is going to be a malcontent. He is going to threaten that this is going to ruin team chemistry. He is going to threaten that he may miss games. Because that is all that he can do besides play for 1.5 million and sign 1-year tenders for the next two years. If he wants the Seahawks to get on the hook to sign him for huge, long-term money, he's going to have to make some concessions. They're not going to guarantee 120 milion, period.

In baseball, there is almost no downside of waiting to hit free agency to sign a deal. Guys don't get career ending injuries. Not that it happens a lot in football, but playing for 1.5 million with zero guarantees behind it, simply isn't smart in such a violent sport. This is going to get done, this year, at 22/23 million. Russell can posture all he wants for 25+, and he's trying his best to put on his poker face and wait it out, but the Seahawks have ALL the leverage here right now, as previously stated, and Russell is going to take 22/23, rather than 25+, simply to get the guarantees that come with it. You're going to play a one-year deal for 1.5 with no guarantees behind it? Sure you are. Bluff called.

 

[hawknation2015]

How is this a bad thing for the Seahawks?

(1) The instability and distraction, that I have already talked about, occurring when your supposed leader of the team has refused to sign an extension.

(2) Both franchise tag options next year are bad deals for any team. Ideally, we want Russell to take a signing bonus now so that his cap hits stay below 13% going forward, i.e. Aaron Rodgers' deal. $25+ million under the exclusive would be a mammoth commitment to one player, and that would hurt our ability to surround Russell with championship-caliber talent.

(3) The uncertainty in not knowing how much money to leave available for Russell, over the next several years, makes it near impossible to extend other critical players right now. More than half the roster are set to become free agents in 2016.

(4) If we do not cave to the $25+ million exclusive tag, the non-exclusive tag is still an undesirable total . . . and it would provide Russell with his first opportunity to really screw us over by agreeing to ridiculous terms with another team.

 

[Tical21]

How is this a bad thing for the Seahawks?

(1) The instability and distraction, that I have already talked about, occurring when your supposed leader of the team has refused to sign an extension.

(2) Both franchise tag options next year are bad deals for any team. Ideally, we want Russell to take a signing bonus now so that his cap hits stay below 13% going forward, i.e. Aaron Rodgers' deal. $25+ million under the exclusive would be a mammoth commitment to one player, and that would hurt our ability to surround Russell with championship-caliber talent.

(3) The uncertainty in not knowing how much money to leave available for Russell, over the next several years, makes it near impossible to extend other critical players right now. More than half the roster are set to become free agents in 2016.

(4) If we do not cave to the $25+ million exclusive tag, the non-exclusive tag is still an undesirable total . . . and it would provide Russell with his first opportunity to really screw us over by agreeing to ridiculous terms with another team.

We're going to give him 23 million. Therefore, I don't see how 25 million kills you. The distraction part isn't real. Guys are asked time and time again if they care about the contracts of their teammates, and to a man, they always say that this stuff doesn't enter the locker room.

"You're offering 22.5 million. I'm going to hold out and make you pay me on on a 1-year, 25 million dollar deal instead!! Take that!!"

Okay Russ.

 

[hawknation2015]

How is this a bad thing for the Seahawks?

(1) The instability and distraction, that I have already talked about, occurring when your supposed leader of the team has refused to sign an extension.

(2) Both franchise tag options next year are bad deals for any team. Ideally, we want Russell to take a signing bonus now so that his cap hits stay below 13% going forward, i.e. Aaron Rodgers' deal. $25+ million under the exclusive would be a mammoth commitment to one player, and that would hurt our ability to surround Russell with championship-caliber talent.

(3) The uncertainty in not knowing how much money to leave available for Russell, over the next several years, makes it near impossible to extend other critical players right now. More than half the roster are set to become free agents in 2016.

(4) If we do not cave to the $25+ million exclusive tag, the non-exclusive tag is still an undesirable total . . . and it would provide Russell with his first opportunity to really screw us over by agreeing to ridiculous terms with another team.

We're going to give him 23 million. Therefore, I don't see how 25 million kills you. The distraction part isn't real. Guys are asked time and time again if they care about the contracts of their teammates, and to a man, they always say that this stuff doesn't enter the locker room.

"You're offering 22.5 million. I'm going to hold out and make you pay me on on a 1-year, 25 million dollar deal instead!! Take that!!"

Okay Russ.

If you don't think the mounting uncertainty is going to affect the team's focus, not much I can say to that, other than I hope you're right.

$25+ million is a lot of money to pay to one player. And then what happens the next year when it rises to $30+ million? Perhaps it is "doable," but it would almost certainly have a negative impact on the team's salary cap.

It will be challenging enough to pay Wilson $22 million a year to be the highest paid player in the league. Now we're talking about 114% to 136% above that already-large amount.

 

[Hasselbeck]

You're going to play a one-year deal for 1.5 with no guarantees behind it? Sure you are. Bluff called.

If you read up on his agent and how he operates.. I think he absolutely is about to do that.

Rodgers wants Wilson to hit FA. He knows that can't be put off forever with the way the franchise tag works. Yes, we have Wilson for 2 seasons .. but then 2017 rolls around and the franchise is put in a really tough spot.

So again, barring Wilson having a change of heart and telling Rodgers to cut the crap.. I think this is going to turn into a very weird thing. I don't want to say "ugly" because he could just as well sign the big deal next offseason. But I would be flat out shocked if this gets done in the next 13 days. Every single one of Mark Rodgers big clients has essentially "bet on himself" and let their deal play out. Doesn't matter if they play baseball, this is the agent's philosophy.. and apparently Russell sees him as a father figure.

 

[Tical21]

You're going to play a one-year deal for 1.5 with no guarantees behind it? Sure you are. Bluff called.

If you read up on his agent and how he operates.. I think he absolutely is about to do that.

Rodgers wants Wilson to hit FA. He knows that can't be put off forever with the way the franchise tag works. Yes, we have Wilson for 2 seasons .. but then 2017 rolls around and the franchise is put in a really tough spot.

So again, barring Wilson having a change of heart and telling Rodgers to cut the crap.. I think this is going to turn into a very weird thing. I don't want to say "ugly" because he could just as well sign the big deal next offseason. But I would be flat out shocked if this gets done in the next 13 days. Every single one of Mark Rodgers big clients has essentially "bet on himself" and let their deal play out. Doesn't matter if they play baseball, this is the agent's philosophy.. and apparently Russell sees him as a father figure.

I get it, but I just can't see this as a realistic football thought, not at that position. There's just too much to lose, and the chances are too high that it could be lost. It's flat-out stupid to hold out for 130 million with zero guarantees, besides the insurance, rather than taking 120 million with major guarantees. Neither Russell or his agent strike me as being that stupid. It's risky in baseball, especially for a pitcher. This is a quarterback we're talking about here. 120 million, with half of that guaranteed. You're going to really risk that to make 10 extra million? I get it, I just can't see it.

 

[Tical21]

How is this a bad thing for the Seahawks?

(1) The instability and distraction, that I have already talked about, occurring when your supposed leader of the team has refused to sign an extension.

(2) Both franchise tag options next year are bad deals for any team. Ideally, we want Russell to take a signing bonus now so that his cap hits stay below 13% going forward, i.e. Aaron Rodgers' deal. $25+ million under the exclusive would be a mammoth commitment to one player, and that would hurt our ability to surround Russell with championship-caliber talent.

(3) The uncertainty in not knowing how much money to leave available for Russell, over the next several years, makes it near impossible to extend other critical players right now. More than half the roster are set to become free agents in 2016.

(4) If we do not cave to the $25+ million exclusive tag, the non-exclusive tag is still an undesirable total . . . and it would provide Russell with his first opportunity to really screw us over by agreeing to ridiculous terms with another team.

We're going to give him 23 million. Therefore, I don't see how 25 million kills you. The distraction part isn't real. Guys are asked time and time again if they care about the contracts of their teammates, and to a man, they always say that this stuff doesn't enter the locker room.

"You're offering 22.5 million. I'm going to hold out and make you pay me on on a 1-year, 25 million dollar deal instead!! Take that!!"

Okay Russ.

If you don't think the mounting uncertainty is going to affect the team's focus, not much I can say to that, other than I hope you're right.

$25+ million is a lot of money to pay to one player. And then what happens the next year when it rises to $30+ million? Perhaps it is "doable," but it would almost certainly have a negative impact on the team's salary cap.

It will be challenging enough to pay Wilson $22 million a year to be the highest paid player in the league. Now we're talking about 114% to 136% above that already-large amount.

My thinking on this is if you're the Seahawks, and you're quite certain that you really don't want to pay 25 APY over the next five years or whatever, taking the tag and going up to 30 for a year kind of gives you an idea of the impact that it is going to have on your team, while only taking a minimal 5 million extra in risk. This leaves your options open and doesn't hurt you all that much more than paying him the 25ish that I think he wants. This way, you can still try to see if you'll be able to get to Super Bowls right in the prime of your window, without sacrificing the long-term health of the franchise. Then, if it looks like it is working, you can extend him. If not, if buys you some time to come up with a backup plan. All of this seems like a pretty good value for 5 million.

I don't think having Russell playing for a contract each of the next three years is necessarily a terrible thing either. Probably less than ideal, but could also prove to get even better play out of him.

 

[Hawkpower]

You're going to play a one-year deal for 1.5 with no guarantees behind it? Sure you are. Bluff called.

If you read up on his agent and how he operates.. I think he absolutely is about to do that.

Rodgers wants Wilson to hit FA. He knows that can't be put off forever with the way the franchise tag works. Yes, we have Wilson for 2 seasons .. but then 2017 rolls around and the franchise is put in a really tough spot.

So again, barring Wilson having a change of heart and telling Rodgers to cut the crap.. I think this is going to turn into a very weird thing. I don't want to say "ugly" because he could just as well sign the big deal next offseason. But I would be flat out shocked if this gets done in the next 13 days. Every single one of Mark Rodgers big clients has essentially "bet on himself" and let their deal play out. Doesn't matter if they play baseball, this is the agent's philosophy.. and apparently Russell sees him as a father figure.

I get it, but I just can't see this as a realistic football thought, not at that position. There's just too much to lose, and the chances are too high that it could be lost. It's flat-out stupid to hold out for 130 million with zero guarantees, besides the insurance, rather than taking 120 million with major guarantees. Neither Russell or his agent strike me as being that stupid. It's risky in baseball, especially for a pitcher. This is a quarterback we're talking about here. 120 million, with half of that guaranteed. You're going to really risk that to make 10 extra million? I get it, I just can't see it.

We will have to see if ego overrides intelligence and common sense.