Rumor: RW asking to be the highest paid player in history

[Sgt. Largent]

I'm just fine with Russell playing hardball to get as much guaranteed money as possible, the part that scares me is he's asking for unrestricted free agency in 4-5 years as part of his contract demands.

That means we can't franchise him for his next deal if the Hawks don't give him what he wants at the end of this contract.

 

[crosfam]

1. Play him on his current contract in 2015 - keep negotiating
2. Franchise him in 2016 - Keep negotiating. Draft replacement in Rd 1
3. Franchise him again - trade him after the season or trade replacement depending on if he signs long-term.

If you went the franchise route, you would only keep Wilson through 2016. You would have to trade him after that because his value on the open market is far higher than a 3rd round comp. You would only franchise him in 2017 to trade him away before the season started.

If you actually let him play out the two franchise years, then you potentially end up with nothing (except the comp pick). Would never happen unless JS fell asleep at the wheel in true Ruskell fashion.

All hypothetical, of course. Deal will get done.

I concur - but we do have to play some hardball. Too much nicey-nicey and he will be getting 26 million per. I love the guy but I think age and injury will slow him down sooner rather than later. I see a 8-9 year career, not 15 plus. He is smart enough then to move on and make 20 million per doing something else - maybe a future team VP like John Elway, or NFL executive.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

I concur - but we do have to play some hardball. Too much nicey-nicey and he will be getting 26 million per. I love the guy but I think age and injury will slow him down sooner rather than later. I see a 8-9 year career, not 15 plus. He is smart enough then to move on and make 20 million per doing something else - maybe a future team VP like John Elway, or NFL executive.

I don't think it's hardball, as much as Pete and John trying to remain consistent with their stars. Each of the big contract extensions they've given out to guys like Bennett, Avril, Thomas, Kam, Sherm, etc. have been slightly less than probably what those players could have gotten in free agency (like Tate and Maxwell).

Their entire philosophy with player contracts has been "come play for a fantastic organization in a fantastic city with fantastic facilities with fantastic fans where we WILL be competing each and every year for rings.............which means whatever "home town discount" you give us so we can keep our competitive edge will come back to you 3 or 4 times over with endorsements and local opportunities to make up for it.

Sounds like Russell isn't going along with that precedent.

 

[theincrediblesok]

Here's the thing no one is really saying.....For 3 years he was making less than all starting punters/kickers, hell probably some long snappers were making more than him as well. Those 3 years were the hometown discount, he played way way past his payrate. He did all that and wants the top money because he believes he's worth as much to get to two superbowls, and close to one in his rookie year. So you buss your but off for 3 years making less than the guys who doesn't play the full game for 60 minutes and then call foul when he wants to be the highest paid player, for most of the 3 years he sits back watching 1st rounders making more money than him and they haven't even played a snap yet. Money talks money equal respect.

As long as we keep the core with Wilson we will be competitive for years, we will be getting new guys coming in to compete every few years and reload. Last year we weren't statistically suppose to be going to back to back superbowls, but there we were, lucky or not we were there.

 

[JSeahawks]

Can't believe any seahawk fans who went through gelbaugh, stouffer, McGwire, mirer, etc etc would even consider letting him walk. Remember when Jon kitna seemed like a god send? I don't think we want to go back to that.

 

[mikeak]

1. Play him on his current contract in 2015 - keep negotiating
2. Franchise him in 2016 - Keep negotiating. Draft replacement in Rd 1
3. Franchise him again - trade him after the season or trade replacement depending on if he signs long-term.

If you went the franchise route, you would only keep Wilson through 2016. You would have to trade him after that because his value on the open market is far higher than a 3rd round comp. You would only franchise him in 2017 to trade him away before the season started.

If you actually let him play out the two franchise years, then you potentially end up with nothing (except the comp pick). Would never happen unless JS fell asleep at the wheel in true Ruskell fashion.

All hypothetical, of course. Deal will get done.

While I agree you also have to let it be known that you are willing to use the franchise tag. To continue playing on one-year deal is really risky for Russell. The second point is this.

No other team will be willing to pay a single dollar for past performance.

Once that sinks in he realizes that if the Hawks throw in $500k for previous / this coming year then that is money he won't see anywhere else. If he doesn't sign a deal this year because the Hawks is doing an extension then that is kind of dumb.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Can't believe any seahawk fans who went through gelbaugh, stouffer, McGwire, mirer, etc etc would even consider letting him walk. Remember when Jon kitna seemed like a god send? I don't think we want to go back to that.

I don't think any fan is saying this, but if Russell's going to be unwilling to compromise with his demands, it'll become a reality to start thinking about life after Russell.

Personally I don't think we'll get to that point. I can't think of one player that wanted to be on a team, and that team loved him just as much that something didn't get worked out. Now if Russell is just hustling us, and really doesn't care about staying here and just wants to money grub as much guaranteed cash as possible? Then shizzle could get ugly.

 

[Trenchbroom]

But max contract? That's more than a little hubris, more than a little arrogance. Even Tom Brady, the "old" benchmark for success, understood that he needed to give a little to keep other quality players on the field with him.

Tom Brady signed the richest extension in NFL history in 2010 after coming off a second contract that had already paid him $60 million. He had been paid $100 million before he ever took his supposed "discount." He also married Gisele Bundchen whose net worth is double his. His household was already obscenely rich before he ever shaved a few paltry million off his deal. They are probably worth around $400 million together.

You absolutely cannot compare his situation to RW's, who has been the NFL's most underpaid player for three years and has never had an NFL payday.

And he's given back money almost every season to provide for more cash for others. Because he understands that he's not alone on the team.

Wouldn't you rather have Wilson agree to a more cap friendly contract up front? Or does he need the ego-stroking of being the top paid QB and then JS has to go back, hat in hand, asking for cap relief every year?

 

[lukerguy]

emo reactions are so stupid.


50 percent of you bitching about this would have begged to have this problem 5 years ago. The other 50 percent were probably cheering for some other team 5 years ago.

Mic drop.

 

[chris98251]

It's not about the Money !

Fans : are you sure?


Let me think about it




Ok maybe it is about the Money !

 

[volsunghawk]

But max contract? That's more than a little hubris, more than a little arrogance. Even Tom Brady, the "old" benchmark for success, understood that he needed to give a little to keep other quality players on the field with him.

Tom Brady signed the richest extension in NFL history in 2010 after coming off a second contract that had already paid him $60 million. He had been paid $100 million before he ever took his supposed "discount." He also married Gisele Bundchen whose net worth is double his. His household was already obscenely rich before he ever shaved a few paltry million off his deal. They are probably worth around $400 million together.

You absolutely cannot compare his situation to RW's, who has been the NFL's most underpaid player for three years and has never had an NFL payday.

And he's given back money almost every season to provide for more cash for others. Because he understands that he's not alone on the team.

Wouldn't you rather have Wilson agree to a more cap friendly contract up front? Or does he need the ego-stroking of being the top paid QB and then JS has to go back, hat in hand, asking for cap relief every year?

I don't mind Wilson getting a contract that is similar to what other SB-winning QBs get when they are up for their deals. After all, the team has made out like absolute bandits over the last 3 years. We've gotten 2 SB runs, 3 years of double-digit wins, and more comeback wins since 2012 than any other team in the league... all for less than $2 million at the starting QB position.

I don't think people understand clearly enough that we've already gotten a massive discount at the QB position for the return we've seen, and it's not Wilson being greedy or selfish if he now wants to be paid like a SB-winning QB. We made out like bandits on Richard Sherman, too, having one of the best CBs in the league (if not the flat-out BEST) on a 5th-round rookie deal for 3 years. When it was time, the Seahawks made him the highest-paid CB in the league. It's Wilson's time now.

 

[Anthony!]

So far a lot of nothing. A lot of guessing, speculating and what not. A lot of Lynch is the most important player on offense, remind me how many SB we got to with just Lynch? answer 0. As to I would like to see Wilson without Lynch stuff, okay I would like to see how god this team is without Wilson, oh wait we already have. You know it is funny how people look at things. Lets look at Lynch without Wilson

Without Wilson and only counting seasons were he got at least 250 attempts he avg the below

1118 yards, 4.1 ypa, 9 tds, 232 yards receiving, .66 tds

Now lets see with Wilson he avg

1384 yards, 4.6 ypa, 12tds, 293 yards receiving, 2.3 tds

Hmm sure seems like Lynch got better with Wilson as well.

Now the issue of seeing Wilson without Lynch. That is interesting, Now I am not going to go back and look at every game and see how Wilson did when Lynch was not in. What I will do is look at how Wilson did when Lynch was not getting enough carries(20) and avg under 4ypa

So last year that was 2 games. Now I know some will say but he was on the filed and that makes a difference and that is true but as I showed the same can be said of Wilson for Lynch.

The 2 games were Rams loss and First AZ win. In those games Wilson numbers were

Rams game
23/36 313 yards, 2 tds, 64% compt, 110 Qb rating, 8.69 ypa(Lynch had 18 carries and 2.9 ypa) and 106 rushing and 1 td

AZ game
17/22 211 yards, 1 td, 77% complt%, 121.6 Qb rating, 9.59 ypa(Lynch had 15 carries and 2.6 ypa) and 73 yard rushing

So it sure seems Wilson does just fine even when Lynch is MIA. Like I said yes Lynch being there does help. However Wilson being there helps Lynch also. And since unlike all those other franchise QBs who do not have a great back Wilson till now(JG) has not had a top WR threat or 2.

You see what most of you forget is all those QBs who throw the ball 30+ times and put up those huge numbers without a top RB, they all have much better WRs and much better olines. Give Wilson an avg Rb and better WR and oline and there is little doubt he can do it.
Let me remind you 2012 post season Atl game with Lynch MIA and everyone knowing Wilson had to carry the team, he did and if not for the defense giving up 1 FG with 20 seconds left we would have played in the NFCCG.

Just a reminder
Lynch had 16 carries 46 yards, and 37 receiving

Wilson with every knowing he had to do it had
385 yards passing, 67% comp, 109 QB rating, 2 tds, and 60 yards rushing and a td

Yeah he can do it and has proven he can.

I love Wilson probably as much as you, but you do realize that's a three game sample? Which is nothing? And those are not games Marshawn MISSED. He played, like you said. His numbers were subpar, but you better believe defenses were still fully accounting for him. This is not sound analysis at all.

You have to look at it with Marshawn completely out of the picture. You can't cherry pick a few games and make a judgment off of that. It just doesn't work that way.

Agreed but since we have none of those games that was the best we could do, however again we also showed how much Wilson helps Lynch. Also again we reminded everyone that while yes he has Lynch he has subpar talent in every other area on offense, compared to those QBs who supposedly carry their offense. Give Wilson a better oline and better Wr and of course he can carry an offense as he has done it with inferior talent,

 

[Missing_Clink]

That's typically how it goes for franchise QB contracts. Wilson should have the biggest contract in NFL history. He will eclipse the the previous largest. Then Luck will surpass him, and possibly Newton. Then the next big QB contract will surpass those two. That's just how the progression happens.

 

[12HawkFan]

All I have to say is DO NOT piss off uncle Paul, the results may not be good.

GO HAKS!!!

 

[HommyHawk]

Ahem....Throwdown can you please cue some E.P.M.D. to calm some of our FAM down.thx

 

[chawx]

If my calculations are correct (which they are), we could sign Russell to a $110 million per year contract, fully guaranteed for 20 years and just give everyone else league minimum and STILL make the Super Bowl every year. Yes, he is that good and I am not exaggerating at all.

Seriously though, give him ALL the monies, IDGAF! I never want to see Russell play anywhere else, ever. period.

 

[Blitzer88]

I don't really care how much it is, he is gonna get big money regardless, I just want him signed sooner rather then later!

Also, re-signing Bobby probably hinges on getting Russell signed first.

 

[12thbrah]

Russell's worth to this team is immeasurable. If the Hawks can afford to pay him like one of the top QBs they should. I can't imagine what it would be like having someone like Andy Dalton or Krapernick as our QB if we didnt have RW3.

 

[Anthony!]

I will say I am officially nervous right now.

And to be on the unpopular side of things.. Russ needs to understand that even if another team would pay more in a contract, it would be a huge risk. Another team, another coach, another defense, etc.. and he wouldnt be as good and wouldnt play up to contract and long term wouldnt make as much. The Seahawks and Russ are perfect for each other and need each other, but both have to realize that.

Russ is very important but hes one man in a system that is extraordinarily team orientated. If he needs so much money we cant put the right people around him, then, let him walk. Franchise him next year with the non exclusive tender and let someone give us 2 #1s.. we might not get someone exactly as good but I bet JS could find someone good enough .... Wilson at 25 million or a new QB at, say, 1 million and 24 million to spend on other positions..

I love Wilson. Absolutely love him. But if some of the stories coming out are true, Im also disappointed. Not because I dont think athletes shouldnt get paid..they should get a huge slice of the pie. But I thought ..and still hope Wilson is smart enough to understand the dynamics of the situation. Long term, even taking a couple million less a year in Seattle will get him more money.. staying with one team, staying in a system built around him, with a defense that has his back to an unprecedented degree... will build his brand, will build him up as a player.

You see the difference is you think most of Wilsons success is based mainly on this team, this system, these other players. I am sure Wilson feels and is right to feel he would be successful any place, and if you really look at it he is right you could easily argue this system has held him back, run first, no real #1 or #2 receiving weapons, bad oline, only 20 attempts a game. You can easily argue on another team he would be even better, as he would have the weapons around him and system he needs. He may be the perfect QB for us, but that does not mean we are the perfect system for him as a QB. It just so happens he can play and play well in ours, but it is also obvious he could play well in other systems as well. All this talk about Lynch is great but take away lynch give him an avg RB but better oline and Wr and passing offense and he would explode. How do we know that because when he has had to more often than not he has. Is lynch any more of a help to Wilson than Gronk is to Brady answer no, anymore of a help to Wilson than any other QBs top offensive weapon is to them NO . Everyone talks about 8 in the box to strop Lynch but do not forget they are also doing that to contain Wilson. Even on plays were Lynch is not in and it is not an obvious passing down there are 8 in the box. As Long as Wilson can run like he does they will always have to have extra resources in the box to stop him. PFF did an analysis about 8 in the box and Lynch was ranked 19th in seeing 8 in the box. Now that was 2013 however I doubt it has changed that much.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... n-the-box/

The point being to think that most of Wilsons success sis all about this team, these players, this system, and Lynch is wrong. Now some is, but that does not mean he would not do as well or better on another team. Put him on any team with a better oline and WR and he would do great. Put him on a team with even less offensive talent and he would struggle as would any QB.

 

[Anthony!]

1. Play him on his current contract in 2015 - keep negotiating
2. Franchise him in 2016 - Keep negotiating. Draft replacement in Rd 1
3. Franchise him again - trade him after the season or trade replacement depending on if he signs long-term.

If you went the franchise route, you would only keep Wilson through 2016. You would have to trade him after that because his value on the open market is far higher than a 3rd round comp. You would only franchise him in 2017 to trade him away before the season started.

If you actually let him play out the two franchise years, then you potentially end up with nothing (except the comp pick). Would never happen unless JS fell asleep at the wheel in true Ruskell fashion.

All hypothetical, of course. Deal will get done.

Not to mention what if he holds out every year till its time to play then you wasted those years.