First, let’s make this point clear: The NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement clearly states that rookie contracts can’t be renegotiated until three of the mandatory four years of the contract have been completed.
Moving on: ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has reported that an “unnamed representative” of Russell Wilson has called the Seahawks “insisting that something be done” to adjust Wilson’s contract situation. Wilson’s rookie contract is for four years and $2.996 million.
Under the new CBA, not much can be done about what Wilson is making. But what complicates the situation is that another Seahawks quarterback is bringing in a much bigger paycheck.
The Seahawks traded for Matt Flynn last March with the hope that he would be their starter, but they now find themselves in a bit of a bind. Flynn didn’t step up, and Seattle has a $26 million quarterback on the bench. Having Flynn around is a constant reminder to Wilson that Flynn is cashing in, while Wilson is making pennies in comparison.
Wilson does have a good argument. He had the third-best passer rating in the league this year, just behind Joe Flacco and Tom Brady. Furthermore, the Seahawks’ third-round pick led Seattle past the Washington Redskins and their first-round pick, Robert Griffin III, in the NFC wild card round before falling to the top-seeded Falcons last week.
Despite what Bus Cook (Wilson’s representative) and Wilson may want, the new CBA may prevent them from making any drastic moves and getting what they ultimately want, at least for the next two years.
