Russell Wilson is vehemently denying a report that said he asked the Seattle Seahawks for a new contract.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Chris Mortsenesen reported that a representative of Wilson told the Seahawks something had to be done about the rookie quarterback’s contract.
Wilson’s agent, Bus Cook, reportedly was “irate” over the report. He told NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport that the report was B.S.
Cook called the report B.S. because under the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, players cannot address/alter their contracts until they have completed their first three seasons.
Wilson understands the CBA rules, and he told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King that he has not and will not ask the Seahawks for a new deal.
“I speak for myself, and I never demanded or asked for a restructured contract … I have complete understanding and respect for the new CBA rules … Anyone who knows me knows I play for the love of the game. I play for the challenge of being the best one day and know I have a long way to go.
“I respect the NFL, respect the new CBA, respect my teammates, respect all of the other players across the league, and respect the Seattle Seahawks,” Wilson told King.
Wilson was drafted in the third round by Seattle. Per Rotoworld, he signed a four-year, $2.198 million contract in May. The deal included a $619,472 signing bonus. He is scheduled to earn $526,217 in 2013, $662,434 in 2014, and $798,651 in 2015.
Wilson tied an NFL rookie record with 26 touchdown passes and set a rookie mark with a 100.0 passer rating. He completed 64.1 percent of his passes and threw for 3,118 yards with 10 interceptions while also rushing for 489 yards and four touchdowns in leading Seattle to an 11-5 record and playoff berth. In the postseason he threw for 572 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 127 yards and a score in two games, including the Seahawks’ first road playoff win since 1983, beating Washington in the wild-card round. He likely will be one of the biggest bargains in the league the next two seasons.
