Russell Wilson appears to be "taking one for the team" as the Seattle Seahawks quarterback agreed to a lesser pay just for his team to be able to keep teammate Bobby Wagner. While no official announcement from the 2014 Superbowl championship team, the NFL team is still intact - with Wagner earning a $43 million contract extension which involves a $22 million guarantee.
"Russell was very clear to me, just as he was about the deadline, that he didn't want to do anything that was going to have this team broken up," disclosed Mark Rogers, the agent of Wilson, according to Seattlepi. He added, "At the end of the day, literally, the 11th hour in this negotiation, when we had an opportunity to squeeze the club a little bit harder, we actually gave the club a little bit in an effort to try to make sure that Bobby Wagner - there was enough money for the club to make a real good run to try to conclude Bobby Wagner's negotiations."
Rodgers shared that his client had no intention of getting every last penny from the team as he simply wanted to be "paid fairly." In addition, Wilson's decision to forgo a portion of his payment is said to have provided the Seahawks "some flexibility" to keep the other members on the team. The deal has Wilson taking home an $87.6 million contract extension which would last for four years. It also included a guaranteed payment of $61 million, which would keep Wilson until 2019.
Both Wilson and Wagner come from the same batch of draft class recruited by the Seahawks in 2012. While they came in relatively inexperienced in the NFL, the two eventually rose to fame quite quickly and showed that their efforts contributed greatly to the success of the Seattle team. Wilson earned his Pro Bowl badge since entering the Seahawks locker room, while Wagner is one of the players considered to receive the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
In an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle, further echoes his concern and support for the Seattle Seahawks and all members of the NFL team. Talking about three-time Pro Bowl tightend Jimmy Graham, Wilson describes his teammate as "lethal." The quarterback revealed that this season will see Graham assist in receiving corps as whole as well as opening more holes for running back Marshawn Lynch.
As for relations between Seahawks and strong safety Kam Chancellor, Wilson expressed his wish to see the "strong leader" winning games with them soon. Sharing that the Seahawks team members appreciate Chancellor's presence and contribution, Wilson said that he keeps praying that the best agreement will be reached by both parties in the future. The Seahawks quarterback stated, "So just praying for him, praying for encouragement and praying for peace in his heart."
