Its Time Someone Said the Un-Sayable

[savvyman]

Russell Wilson is Being Greedy & Selfish.

[RiverDog]

Until I hear what his actual demands are or until he signs a contract, I'm withholding comment.

[NorthHawk]

Russell Wilson is Being Greedy & Selfish.

Say no more!

I agree with RD.
We have no idea what has been offered or demanded, so we don't know if one side is being greedy or the other tightfisted.
It's all rumor and innuendo at this point and we will never know the whole truth anyway.

[HumanCockroach]

Even IF that were the case, I always side with the player, and always will. It's the way America is run, get what you can, while you can. Owners certainly are not paying guys they deem to expensive, two signatures on those contracts not just one, yet fans often turn on the players for their "greed", while accepting it's a "business" for the billionaires, well, it is for the players as well, and as with ANY business, you attempt to maximize your potential profit, the SAME as the billionaires .

[RiverDog]

Even IF that were the case, I always side with the player, and always will. It's the way America is run, get what you can, while you can. Owners certainly are not paying guys they deem to expensive, two signatures on those contracts not just one, yet fans often turn on the players for their "greed", while accepting it's a "business" for the billionaires, well, it is for the players as well, and as with ANY business, you attempt to maximize your potential profit, the SAME as the billionaires .

Not me. I look at it this way: What is there in life that you can do with $20M/year that you can't do with $15M/yr? It has to be a pretty short list.

[savvyman]

There are numerous reports including Russell's agent who says that he is trying to make Russell the Highest paid QB in the NFL.

For those who are coming in late - this means Russell is trying to be the Highest Paid Player in the NFL.

Paying Russell this much money will have a serious impact on the Financial Structure of the Seahawk's salary cap for them to be able to pay for enough supporting talent at other positions that are necessary for a championship team.

Sherman took less then what he could have ultimately pushed for - same with Thomas, Bennett, Kam, Averil etc. Russell always talks about the team this or that. Yet he (through his agent) is demanding a contract so high that it puts the organization ability to field and pay for a championship quality team in Jeopardy.

Seahawk's by all accounts are willing to pay him top 5 and maybe even top 3 QB money. He will be making near $100 million no matter what over the next 5 years. If the Seahawks continue their winning ways (which will much more difficult with the most expensive contract in the NFL to pay) Russell will make double figure millions more in endorsements during that time.

(Edit - According to Clayton this Morning Seahawks have offered Russell More money than Aaron Rodgers and this is still not good enough) http://sea.247sports.com/Bolt/Clayton-Sense-of-urgency-for-Seahawks-to-get-Wilson-deal-done-37952412

Again - this is the NFL which has a unique "Salary Pie" where each team get the same total amount of Salary to divide up among their 53 man roster - the larger the salary slice of the pie that one player takes - the less that is available for the other 52 players.

As I said - Russell is being selfish and greedy. You can spin it in your own mind any other way you see fit.

[NorthHawk]

Like I said before, it comes with the territory of being ultra competitive.
Maybe it's the Napoleonic Complex that's partly driving him, but he wants to be the best at everything he does and there's no reason to think the business side would be any different.
It's that attitude and competitive spirit that makes him as successful on and off the field as he is.

[HumanCockroach]

(Edit - According to Clayton this Morning Seahawks have offered Russell More money than Aaron Rodgers and this is still not good enough

Big difference between "has" and "thinks". Clayton did not say Seattle has offered him Rodgers money, maybe a small distinction, but with all of the made up crap, I think it is important to point out.

[Seahawks4Ever]

It goes w/o saying that IF RW wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL he is seriously DELUDED. He is NOT the best QB in the game. I would say that IF this story is true then YES, he is being GREEDY.

Also, RW has not even earned Aaron Rodgers money and I would be SHOCKED if we have even offered Russell that kind of money.

Now, it could be that there were aspects of the offer that wree Aaron Rodgers-like, such as maybe how much is guaranteed. Obviously, if Wilson was offered AR money he would be an idiot to have turned it down, and he is no idiot.

How many times did we hear a young QB such as Kap, Tannehil, or Dalton get only to find out that the contract is heavily weighed in the teams favor is and not nearly as much as was first reported.

My guess that there have been some numbers leaked and then various reporters have added up 2+2 and got 5. I will believe it when I see it when it comes down to learning how this all plays out.

Russell Wilson is the same guy today as when he was drafted, he wants to be paid fair but he is also all about team.

Now look at M. Bennett, he is still grousing about a new contract, if I was Schneider I would find a replacement for him and trade him to Cleveland. That is of course why I don't have John Schneider's job, LOL.

[Anthony]

Russell Wilson is Being Greedy & Selfish.

well all you need to do is show actually factual proof what is being asked for and what is being offered. Problem is you cannot. You are doing what a lot of people are doing assuming, and deciding to take it out on Wilson.

Please find me were we have a Seahawks FO saying what has been offered? you cannot
Please find me were either Wilson or his agent actually gave numbers of what he is asking? You cannot
The whole highest player none in Wilson camp said that, his agent was asked and he did not confirm or deny it. Like he should.
I mean there is an article that said the only hold up is guaranteed money that Allen doe snot want to pay 50+. Well if true given what Newton just got that would make the issue the owner being stupid. However we do not know if that is true either

SO in other words if you want to say it and believe it fine, but the reality is you have no proof of it you are just assuming everything you hear is true, well only the stuff you want to believe its true and judging Wilson on that even tough the facts are still unknown.

[NorthHawk]

I don't know if savvy really means it or is just impatient and frustrated. I hope the latter.

There seems to be some people out there who don't take the players viewpoint at all.
They expect them to take the first offer given for the betterment of the team, but if that player gets a career ending injury their the first to shout "Next man up!" and forget about them by the next game. Comments like it's part of the game or injuries happen roll off their tongues like they are talking about what to order at a drive thru.

I don't have a problem with any of the players trying to get as much money as they can because it's a short term dangerous game and they have but a single shot to grasp the brass ring no matter how long their career is.

[RiverDog]

I don't know if savvy really means it or is just impatient and frustrated. I hope the latter.

There seems to be some people out there who don't take the players viewpoint at all.
They expect them to take the first offer given for the betterment of the team, but if that player gets a career ending injury their the first to shout "Next man up!" and forget about them by the next game. Comments like it's part of the game or injuries happen roll off their tongues like they are talking about what to order at a drive thru.

I don't have a problem with any of the players trying to get as much money as they can because it's a short term dangerous game and they have but a single shot to grasp the brass ring no matter how long their career is.

It doesn't matter how large of a contract Russell signs. When you add up all of his endorsements and other non football income, he's going to be a very wealthy man. He already has the brass ring.

[savvyman]

I don't know if savvy really means it or is just impatient and frustrated. I hope the latter.

There seems to be some people out there who don't take the players viewpoint at all.
They expect them to take the first offer given for the betterment of the team, but if that player gets a career ending injury their the first to shout "Next man up!" and forget about them by the next game. Comments like it's part of the game or injuries happen roll off their tongues like they are talking about what to order at a drive thru.

I don't have a problem with any of the players trying to get as much money as they can because it's a short term dangerous game and they have but a single shot to grasp the brass ring no matter how long their career is.

I 100% mean Russell is being Selfish & Greedy. There is not frustration on my part just observation of the situation.

If the Seahawk's were only offering Russell 16 - 18 million then I would be posting about how cheap and stupid the Front Office was being. If they were only offering Russell Top 5-8 Money I would also be on Russell's side here.

However, the front office is apparently offering Russell near (or over) the #1 QB Money - in both yearly amounts and guarantees -and he still won't sign - then yes I will conclude that he is being selfish and greedy.

Go back to my post - the front office knows you cannot overpay for positions because it leaves you to salary cap challenged to field a competitive team at all positions. Look at New Orleans and the Drew Brees contract as an example. - or what the Dolphins will be trying to deal with in Suhs' contract moving forward.

I fully support the Seahawk's front office in their choices to not overpay for a star player an amount that would harm their ability to field a competitive team at all positions. This includes even if we have to say goodbye to Russell Wilson in two seasons from now after some desperate team gives us two first round draft picks to claim him from us.

Oh Anthony this link is for you. Not 100% proof but about as good as you are going to get in these situations with the way the world has always worked.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25225036/report-russell-wilson-wants-to-be-nfls-highest-paid-player

[burrrton]

They expect them to take the first offer given for the betterment of the team

Who has ever said such a thing??

FTR, I don't blame players at all for trying to wring whatever they can out of this short window they have, and when you're negotiating a new contract, that's the appropriate time to do so.

Where my support tends to erode is when they want a new contract every time they have a good year. If you don't want to honor it, don't sign it.

Comments like it's part of the game or injuries happen roll off their tongues like they are talking about what to order at a drive thru.

You know why? Because it is, and they do. Nobody's dying, for chrissakes.

I don't know where this attitude comes from where NFL players are looked upon as some class of victims. They're not. They happen to have a specific skill that allows them to make SICK amounts of money for a short period of time, and yes, there's a higher risk of injury.

If they don't like that, they can retire from the NFL and get a real job like the rest of the country.

[NorthHawk]

You sound a little sensitive about my comments, Burrrton.

I hear and read those comments all the time across all professional sports by people who forget these guys are people,
Sure, they make a lot of money in a short period of time, but like any businessman, they seek to capitalize on their talents. It's no different from any contracted employee or business person with the exception that it could all end the first time they step on the field and their career doesn't last 30 years or more.

Nobody's looking at NFL players like they are class victims. Rather they have to get as much as they can whenever possible.

By the way, we're talking within the context of Wilsons contract, not breaking existing deals. That's why the comment about taking less for the betterment of the team.

Edit.
People have died earlier than they otherwise would as a direct result of injury.
Darryl Stingley is one example to show you that it is a dangerous profession.

[Anthony]

There are numerous reports including Russell's agent who says that he is trying to make Russell the Highest paid QB in the NFL.

For those who are coming in late - this means Russell is trying to be the Highest Paid Player in the NFL.

Paying Russell this much money will have a serious impact on the Financial Structure of the Seahawk's salary cap for them to be able to pay for enough supporting talent at other positions that are necessary for a championship team.

Sherman took less then what he could have ultimately pushed for - same with Thomas, Bennett, Kam, Averil etc. Russell always talks about the team this or that. Yet he (through his agent) is demanding a contract so high that it puts the organization ability to field and pay for a championship quality team in Jeopardy.

Seahawk's by all accounts are willing to pay him top 5 and maybe even top 3 QB money. He will be making near $100 million no matter what over the next 5 years. If the Seahawks continue their winning ways (which will much more difficult with the most expensive contract in the NFL to pay) Russell will make double figure millions more in endorsements during that time.

(Edit - According to Clayton this Morning Seahawks have offered Russell More money than Aaron Rodgers and this is still not good enough) http://sea.247sports.com/Bolt/Clayton-Sense-of-urgency-for-Seahawks-to-get-Wilson-deal-done-37952412

Again - this is the NFL which has a unique "Salary Pie" where each team get the same total amount of Salary to divide up among their 53 man roster - the larger the salary slice of the pie that one player takes - the less that is available for the other 52 players.

As I said - Russell is being selfish and greedy. You can spin it in your own mind any other way you see fit.

So JS came out and said how much they are offering? HMm I do not see anyplace were JS said that just more speculation, and you have decided to buy into it. What if they issue is while they are offering Rodgers money they only want 10 mil guaranteed? In fact there is an article posted on this forum about that being the problem that Allen doe snot want to guarantee more than 20 mil. So if that is true how is that Wilson being selfish? You can do what you want, but I will wait for the truth and not some assumptions and speculations. FYI it really does not matter how much they offer it is how it is structured that matters. They can offer him 30 mil a year but if there is little to no guarantees, or singing bonus, and i8t is back loaded it really means he gets little in the first few years. But hey please jump the gun, assume and hate, your not alone there are a lot of assuming "fans" out their.

[RiverDog]

You sound a little sensitive about my comments, Burrrton.

I hear and read those comments all the time across all professional sports by people who forget these guys are people,
Sure, they make a lot of money in a short period of time, but like any businessman, they seek to capitalize on their talents. It's no different from any contracted employee or business person with the exception that it could all end the first time they step on the field and their career doesn't last 30 years or more.

Nobody's looking at NFL players like they are class victims. Rather they have to get as much as they can whenever possible.

By the way, we're talking within the context of Wilsons contract, not breaking existing deals. That's why the comment about taking less for the betterment of the team.
'
Edit.
People have died earlier than they otherwise would as a direct result of injury.
Darryl Stingley is one example to show you that it is a dangerous profession.

Driving a truck is a dangerous profession. People get killed driving a truck at a far higher rate than do professional football players. Truck drivers have a median income of $38,200 a year and have a fatality rate of 25.9 per 100,000. And there's lots more dangerous jobs than driving a truck. If you paid people based exclusively on the danger of their occupation, professional football would be WAY WAY down the list.

I'm sorry, North Hawk, but please don't play the sympathy card with me and cry about these poor abused players' need to make an extra couple of million when they already make more money in one year than most of us will make in a lifetime.

This is the exact reason why I have never bought a jersey with someone else's name or number on it. These athletes have set themselves apart from me by the money they make and I am not going to treat them like some frigging God.

I am not passing judgment yet because all it is at this point is conjecture and speculation, but if what we are hearing about Russell's demands turns out to be true, I'll dump him like a sack of rotting fish and be standing right next to Savvy.

[burrrton]

By the way, we're talking within the context of Wilsons contract, not breaking existing deals.

I know, but the only situation in which players take the kind of criticism you're talking about is when they want teams to tear up their contracts.

People have died earlier than they otherwise would as a direct result of injury.

Oh for pete's sake, North- just stop.

Nobody has to play NFL football. It's a high-risk-high-reward job that most people would give their left nut to have.

It's no different from any contracted employee or business person with the exception that it could all end the first time they step on the field and their career doesn't last 30 years or more.

It could end the first time they step on the field... then you know what happens, North? They move on from making more in a season than the average worker sees in a lifetime and get regular jobs, just like you and I and everyone else had to do, but without a few million bucks in the bank.

Stop weeping for them- they're as blessed a group of people as the world has ever seen outside of maybe the royal family.

[Hawktawk]

Wilson is shrewd, not greedy. Asking for what you are worth is intelligent, self confident, everything we already know he is.Allowing yourself to be underpaid is stupid and submissive, everything we know he is not. Whatever deal he signs will be dwarfed when Luck and Rodgers re-up, not to mention they, as well as Newton and Tannehill already were on first round deals. RW and his agent understand this and aren't going to lowball themselves. And as has been mentioned many times Wilson has played the most prolific first 3 seasons in NFL history for a total of what Hauschka will make this year alone. If Seattle signs Wilson to a 5 year 20 million dollar a year deal they really got him for 8 years for 103 million, an average of 12 million over his first 8 seasons. Wilson want some payback in the new deal for his production the first 3 years playing for a pittance. I agree. The proof is in the pudding, the hardware is in the case already. This isn't like drafting some first rounder and handing the moon to him. This is the most Danger Russ player in the NFL.

Mark my words, the Hawks would rue the day they slap a non exclusive F tag on Wilson because the teams would be lining up with their 2 first rounders' and a boatload of cash to bring this dynamic superstar to their franchise. He's worth it.

[RiverDog]

Wilson is shrewd, not greedy. Asking for what you are worth is intelligent, self confident, everything we already know he is.Allowing yourself to be underpaid is stupid and submissive, everything we know he is not. Whatever deal he signs will be dwarfed when Luck and Rodgers re-up, not to mention they, as well as Newton and Tannehill already were on first round deals. RW and his agent understand this and aren't going to lowball themselves. And as has been mentioned many times Wilson has played the most prolific first 3 seasons in NFL history for a total of what Hauschka will make this year alone. If Seattle signs Wilson to a 5 year 20 million dollar a year deal they really got him for 8 years for 103 million, an average of 12 million over his first 8 seasons. Wilson want some payback in the new deal for his production the first 3 years playing for a pittance. I agree. The proof is in the pudding, the hardware is in the case already. This isn't like drafting some first rounder and handing the moon to him. This is the most Danger Russ player in the NFL.

Mark my words, the Hawks would rue the day they slap a non exclusive F tag on Wilson because the teams would be lining up with their 2 first rounders' and a boatload of cash to bring this dynamic superstar to their franchise. He's worth it.

I don't buy that line of thinking at all, and if his agent were to say something like that during the negotiations, I'd throw it back in his face. We drafted Wilson far higher than any team even considered, and there's a rookie pay structure in the CBA that governed his contract. Russell might have been just another nameless wannabe if Pete and John hadn't given him a chance. If a quarterback is drafted in the first round, he's going to get multiple chances to prove himself. But Russell was projected to be a late round afterthought when we took him in the 3rd, and there's not many 5th or 6th round quarterbacks that even get a chance to show their stuff. If anything, Russell owes Pete and John a boat load of loyalty for believing in him and putting their own careers on the line when they drafted him then elevated him to the starting position.

Besides, you pay a person for what you think they can give you in the future, not as a reward for what they have given in the past.

[Hawktawk]

I employ people. Its BS to say you don't pay them as a reward for what they have already done for you. If you don't they go work for someone else.

And let me tell you something else. Wilson would be starting and starring for whoever he was drafted by. PC and JS (along with long suffering fans) are by far the greatest beneficiaries of this draft pick. I don't want to hear about what a big favor they did Wilson. He has taken the bull by the horns in an unprecedented way.

[NorthHawk]

By the way, we're talking within the context of Wilsons contract, not breaking existing deals.

I know, but the only situation in which players take the kind of criticism you're talking about is when they want teams to tear up their contracts.

People have died earlier than they otherwise would as a direct result of injury.

Oh for pete's sake, North- just stop.

Nobody has to play NFL football. It's a high-risk-high-reward job that most people would give their left nut to have.

It's no different from any contracted employee or business person with the exception that it could all end the first time they step on the field and their career doesn't last 30 years or more.

It could end the first time they step on the field... then you know what happens, North? They move on from making more in a season than the average worker sees in a lifetime and get regular jobs, just like you and I and everyone else had to do, but without a few million bucks in the bank.

Stop weeping for them- they're as blessed a group of people as the world has ever seen outside of maybe the royal family.

Not everyone is a selfish prick like you, burrrton.
Some of us care about our fellow man and have some feelings when people get seriously injured when providing simple entertainment for our enjoyment.
Just because you don't care if someone has a life changing injury so you can walk around with your chest puffed out claiming "WE" performed at a certain level doesn't mean we all do.
Of course nobody forces players to play the game, but it also doesn't mean we shouldn't have some compassion and understanding when they want to be compensated for that risk.

[Hawktawk]

Some of us care about our fellow man and have some feelings when people get seriously injured when providing simple entertainment for our enjoyment.
Just because you don't care if someone has a life changing injury so you can walk around with your chest puffed out claiming "WE" performed at a certain level doesn't mean we all do.
Of course nobody forces players to play the game, but it also doesn't mean we shouldn't have some compassion and understanding when they want to be compensated for that risk.[/quote]

And not just any Tom Dick or Harry can play NFL ball either. No QB in our 40 year history could play like Wilson MOF. As fans we are glad to have the best players. As owners they enjoy their franchises being worth billions of dollars and the massive profits the league rakes in. When you have the #1 selling jersey, the most wins in first 3 years,numerous team and NFL records, an impeccable reputation and an incredible work ethic you deserve to be compensated accordingly.Definitely not being placed in a position of signing a low ball contract or buying an insurance policy out of your own 1,5 million salary. Its a disgrace is what it is.Make him the current highest paid player and be done with it.

[burrrton]

Not everyone is a selfish prick like you, burrrton.

Selfish?? Give it a rest, North. A little dose of reality for you doesn't make me selfish.

Of course nobody forces players to play the game, but it also doesn't mean we shouldn't have some compassion and understanding when they want to be compensated for that risk.

They *are* "compensated for that risk", and far, FAR more handsomely than that risk would indicate, and nothing I've said indicates any problem with that.

Sorry, but you don't own any moral high-ground on this by virtue of sobbing for millionaire professional athletes and this imaginary 'plight' you've concocted.

[RiverDog]

I employ people. Its BS to say you don't pay them as a reward for what they have already done for you. If you don't they go work for someone else.

And let me tell you something else. Wilson would be starting and starring for whoever he was drafted by. PC and JS (along with long suffering fans) are by far the greatest beneficiaries of this draft pick. I don't want to hear about what a big favor they did Wilson. He has taken the bull by the horns in an unprecedented way.

Apples and oranges. Most employers don't sign individual contracts with their employees for a specific term or assignment. Many employers, IMO smart employers like yourself, give bonuses and raises based on past performances, but that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about individual contracts for a specific period of time or specific assignment, like one would sign with a construction company to complete a project. They are not offering terms based on what they have provided you in previous projects. They are offering it based on how they think that company would perform on the future proposed project.

To be fair, past performances do enter into the equation in contracting as it is a predictor of future performance, but it's not to be confused with rewarding an individual or company for past work.

[RiverDog]

Not everyone is a selfish prick like you, burrrton.
Some of us care about our fellow man and have some feelings when people get seriously injured when providing simple entertainment for our enjoyment.
Just because you don't care if someone has a life changing injury so you can walk around with your chest puffed out claiming "WE" performed at a certain level doesn't mean we all do.
Of course nobody forces players to play the game, but it also doesn't mean we shouldn't have some compassion and understanding when they want to be compensated for that risk.

Oh, come on, North. If players cared that much about the risk to their health, they'd retire after they'd made a couple of million, enough money to get them a good start on a less risky career, like Chris Borland did. They know the risks and have chosen to set them aside, so don't ask me to express any compassion for them. You're acting as if they are West Virginia coal miners working with black lung disease. These players are not taking known health risks because they must put food on the table, send their kids to college, or save for retirement like a truck driver or construction worker would. They're way past that point. They are playing for obscene amounts of money and unimaginable fame. They are a far different class of citizen than we are, and I'm not going to offer a single compassionate thought for any of the health risks they're asking to be compensated for.

[Hawktawk]

To be fair, past performances do enter into the equation in contracting as it is a predictor of future performance, but it's not to be confused with rewarding an individual or company for past work.


Again RD, as you say its apples and oranges. But that's comparing RWs situation to almost any other player in the league too. Nobody has done so much so fast while making so little money doing it as Wilson. The only guy even in the ballpark is Brady. And also the dynamic way in which RW makes plays is very unique. I think he deserves to be paid keeping in mind what he has already done for this franchise, regardless of what the NFL thought process is. He's earned it. IMO JS screwed around and the Newton and especially Tannehill deals happened and Wilson is saying no way I'm taking their money, I'm better than them. And he is.

Waiting has cost the Hawks money. Waiting longer will cost them lots more money. Waiting too long will cost them the best QB in franchise history.
The price isn't going down for Mr. Wilson.

[RiverDog]

To be fair, past performances do enter into the equation in contracting as it is a predictor of future performance, but it's not to be confused with rewarding an individual or company for past work.


Again RD, as you say its apples and oranges. But that's comparing RWs situation to almost any other player in the league too. Nobody has done so much so fast while making so little money doing it as Wilson. The only guy even in the ballpark is Brady. And also the dynamic way in which RW makes plays is very unique. I think he deserves to be paid keeping in mind what he has already done for this franchise, regardless of what the NFL thought process is. He's earned it. IMO JS screwed around and the Newton and especially Tannehill deals happened and Wilson is saying no way I'm taking their money, I'm better than them. And he is.

Waiting has cost the Hawks money. Waiting longer will cost them lots more money. Waiting too long will cost them the best QB in franchise history.
The price isn't going down for Mr. Wilson.

You can make a pretty good argument for Kurt Warner, too. If I'm not mistaken, he won an MVP and Lombardi while playing for the league minimum.

So if we're going to start giving relatively low paid players some sort of performance bonus for over playing their contracts, why shouldn't we go back and give Richard Sherman a performance bonus above and beyond his rookie contract? It seems that he was a pretty good bargain, too.

[Hawktawk]

I forgot about Warner. He was another one of those guys for sure, although he shuffled around a couple rosters before getting the job in ST Lois due to injuries. Brady got his shot due to injury as well. Russ has been the guy from day 1 and has never missed a snap.As for Sherm he got paid very well, top CB type of money. And no way any corner in the league is as important as the starting QB of our team. Name me a player or players on our team you would keep instead of Wilson if you had to choose. My answer is ZERO. Whats yours?

[RiverDog]

I forgot about Warner. He was another one of those guys for sure, although he shuffled around a couple rosters before getting the job in ST Lois due to injuries. Brady got his shot due to injury as well. Russ has been the guy from day 1 and has never missed a snap.As for Sherm he got paid very well, top CB type of money. And no way any corner in the league is as important as the starting QB of our team. Name me a player or players on our team you would keep instead of Wilson if you had to choose. My answer is ZERO. Whats yours?

Of course, there's no other player on our team that I'd rather keep than Russell. But that doesn't mean that I'm willing resign him at any cost. If Russell insists on an outrageous contract demand that would severely compromise our ability to compete and instead decided to jump in bed with the team that offered him the most money ala Alex Rodríguez, then I'll be burning effigies of him.

But we're a long, long ways from that. Until he shows otherwise, I'll give Russell the benefit of the doubt.

[Anthony]

Of course, there's no other player on our team that I'd rather keep than Russell. But that doesn't mean that I'm willing to blow up the team in order to keep him.

It depends on your definition of blowing up the roster. It if means in stead of being 3 deep beyond starters at every positions and being 2 deep I am fine with that. If it means relying on the draft and cheap FAs for depth again I am fine with that. Given all the main people, Et, Kam, Sherm, Lynch, Graham, are all signed for several years who would we really be giving up?

See this and explain who we would be giving up that is a big deal, only ones I can see and it is arguable is Okung, and Mebane and given the cap going up we might not even loose them. The only one coming up in 2016 that would worry me is Wagner

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/

Below are those up in 2016



Player (92)


Pos.


Age


Exp.


Contract Terms


Avg. Salary


Guaranteed


Expires


Russell Okung LT 27 5 6 yr $48,500,000 $8,083,333 $8,440,000 2016
Brandon Mebane DT 30 8 5 yr $25,000,000 $5,000,000 $9,000,000 2016
Bruce Irvin OLB 25 3 4 yr $9,342,200 $2,335,550 $9,342,200 2016
Jon Ryan P 33 9 6 yr $9,100,000 $1,516,667 $525,000 2016
Tony McDaniel DT 30 9 2 yr $5,750,000 $2,875,000 $1,250,000 2016
Bobby Wagner ILB 25 3 4 yr $4,307,798 $1,076,950 $2,158,753 2016
Russell Wilson QB 26 3 4 yr $2,996,702 $749,176 $2,996,774 2016
Ahtyba Rubin DT 28 7 1 yr $2,600,000 $2,600,000 $1,000,000 2016
Robert Turbin RB 25 3 4 yr $2,556,456 $639,114 $456,456 2016
Jermaine Kearse WR 25 3 1 yr $2,356,000 $2,356,000 - 2016
Jeremy Lane CB 24 3 4 yr $2,225,116 $556,279 $125,116 2016
J.R. Sweezy G 26 3 4 yr $2,156,848 $539,212 $56,848 2016
Tarvaris Jackson QB 32 9 1 yr $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 2016
Alvin Bailey G 23 2 3 yr $1,491,000 $497,000 $6,000 2016
Keavon Milton TE 25 2 3 yr $1,490,000 $496,667 $5,000 2016
Derrick Coleman FB 24 3 3 yr $1,485,000 $495,000 - 2016
Michael Morgan OLB 27 4 1 yr $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $150,000 2016
Will Blackmon CB 30 7 1 yr $950,000 $950,000 $80,000 2016
Chris Matthews WR 25 1 2 yr $940,000 $470,000 $10,000 2016
David King DE 25 2 2 yr $930,000 $465,000 - 2016
Cooper Helfet TE 26 3 2 yr $930,000 $465,000 - 2016
Marcus Burley CB 24 2 2 yr $930,000 $465,000 - 2016
Patrick Lewis C 24 2 2 yr $900,000 $450,000 $4,000 2016
Lemuel Jeanpierre C 28 4 1 yr $825,000 $825,000 $80,000 2016
Demarcus Dobbs DE 27 4 1 yr $825,000 $825,000 $80,000 2016
Will Tukuafu FB 31 4 1 yr $820,000 $820,000 $80,000 2016
Greg Scruggs DE 24 3 1 yr $785,000 $785,000 $100,000 2016
Anthony McCoy TE 27 5 1 yr $735,000 $735,000 $75,000 2016
Deshawn Shead S 27 3 1 yr $660,000 $660,000 - 2016
Ricardo Lockette WR 29 3 1 yr $660,000 $660,000 - 2016
D'Anthony Smith DT 27 4 1 yr $635,000 $635,000 - 2016
Steven Terrell S 24 2 1 yr $510,000 $510,000 - 2016
Kona Schwenke DT 23 1 1 yr $435,000 $435,000 - 2016
Jesse Williams DT 24 1 1 yr $435,000 $435,000 - 2016

So you really have Wilson and Wagner, Then very questionable on every one else. RYan should be no worry to resign even with Wilson and Wagner.

Our 2016 cap available

We will have 109 in cap used in 2016 the cap is projected to be over 150 mil that is 41 mil that is huge and more than enough to keep the ones that really matter. And they could come up with another 5-6 just by cutting 3 level depth and resigning at lower hits.

What I find interesting and kind of pathetic is were was all of this when Lynch threated to hold out, Kam, Et or Sherm. Sherm was giving the highest contract for a CB if he takes 500K less then we have more to spend, same with Lynch, ET etc. If they all took 500k less that would be 2+ mil left for more for debth however everyone was fine with that. However now that it is Wilson everyone cares. Yes I know he will eat up the most, but he also saves us on Wr and Oline. in 2016 we will have over 66mil in defense, and barley 38mil in offense.

Lets think about this because of Wilson they can go cheap on the oline. I mean lets think about this, out side of Graham and Lynch, the highest salary on offense is Okung and 8 mi a year for a left tackle which is 12th. after that the next player on offense is Baldwin. Now why can we go cheap at Wr and Oline? Answer because our QB can make stuff happen in the passing game even with avg to below avg players around him, this doe snot count Lynch and Graham. Graham just joined and lynch is an RB. To be honest the only 2 players on offense prior to Graham that are A+ talent has been Lynch and Wilson.

[HumanCockroach]

Waiting has cost the Hawks money. Waiting longer will cost them lots more money. Waiting too long will cost them the best QB in franchise history. The price isn't going down for Mr. Wilson

Huge assumption on your part that it is the Seahawks "waiting" and not the other way around. Or are we to assume that Wilson and co aren't smart enough to realise that by waiting for players like Cam and Tannehill to sign extensions, that Wilson's value would increase?

Neither Wilson, nor his agent strike me as dumb, maybe they do you and others, but for my money, I see the slow contract, being an intelligent decision to maximize his value, not some made up lack of respect, or cheap decision by the Seahawks. Assuming

[RiverDog]

"Of course, there's no other player on our team that I'd rather keep than Russell. But that doesn't mean that I'm willing to blow up the team in order to keep him."

It depends on your definition of blowing up the roster. It if means in stead of being 3 deep beyond starters at every positions and being 2 deep I am fine with that. If it means relying on the draft and cheap FAs for depth again I am fine with that. Given all the main people, Et, Kam, Sherm, Lynch, Graham, are all signed for several years who would we really be giving up?

.

I edited out the blowing up the roster portion and replaced it with remaining competitive.

The players already signed aren't the issue. The issue is future signings. Giving Russell a huge, long term deal might not hinder us this season, but in the seasons to come, it could loom large. Say players like Sweezy and Marsh really blossom, and with no viable replacements available, we really want to keep them. If Russell's contract eats up a disproportionate amount of the pie, it could have an unwanted effect on our roster.

[SalmonBB]

My prediction: RW goes to the Chargers in 2016. A lot of little indicators that seem to add up for me (e.g., practicing in San Diego, childhood memories of San Diego, QB situation in San Diego, likelihood of Chargers going to big market and celebrity-studded LA, etc.). If he is made the highest paid QB, then I see him in Seattle. Anything outside of that, I see him in SoCal. Of course, I hope I'm wrong. Going to make the most of watching him play for the Seahawks this next year.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

[Anthony]

I edited out the blowing up the roster portion and replaced it with remaining competitive.

The players already signed aren't the issue. The issue is future signings. Giving Russell a huge, long term deal might not hinder us this season, but in the seasons to come, it could loom large. Say players like Sweezy and Marsh really blossom, and with no viable replacements available, we really want to keep them. If Russell's contract eats up a disproportionate amount of the pie, it could have an unwanted effect on our roster.

Dude at that point there blossoming will make others replaceable and it will even out. Also that is an If, we cannot run a team on "ifs". Also the cap goes up a lot every year and of course there are always cheap backups available.

[Anthony]

My prediction: RW goes to the Chargers in 2016. A lot of little indicators that seem to add up for me (e.g., practicing in San Diego, childhood memories of San Diego, QB situation in San Diego, likelihood of Chargers going to big market and celebrity-studded LA, etc.). If he is made the highest paid QB, then I see him in Seattle. Anything outside of that, I see him in SoCal. Of course, I hope I'm wrong. Going to make the most of watching him play for the Seahawks this next year.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Could be but a doubt it, unless PC went also which has been speculated

[curmudgeon]

Russell's agent will attempt max payout, as any agent worth their salt would. NFL careers are short, make hay while you can. Russell has accomplished beyond wildest dreams. Payday is due....from Seattle or someone else. Cannot fault the man for maximizing his income potential......Hope he is here, but if not, thanks.

[RiverDog]

Dude at that point there blossoming will make others replaceable and it will even out. Also that is an If, we cannot run a team on "ifs". Also the cap goes up a lot every year and of course there are always cheap backups available.

Cheap backups? To replace Pro Bowlers (assuming players like Marsh, Sweeney, et al blossom)?

Teams run on 'if''s' all the time. They speculate more than the most aggressive Wall Street trader.

[Anthony]

Cheap backups? To replace Pro Bowlers (assuming players like Marsh, Sweeney, et al blossom)?

Teams run on 'if''s' all the time. They speculate more than the most aggressive Wall Street trader.

OKay lets play the assuming and what iof game or replacing guys who under performed like Marsh, Sweeney, okung etc. you are really stretching with this one, but if we want to play IFs I would put my IFs into Wilson who ahs proven it than 2 guys who have proven nothing. What if the guys behind them are better and cheaper, what if they draft people in the next 2 years wh90o are better and cheaper etc. okay want to keep playing If. We can but it is really a waste of time. The reality is the starters will not be the issue the 3rd teamers are were we will se the biggest issue.

[RiverDog]

OKay lets play the assuming and what iof game or replacing guys who under performed like Marsh, Sweeney, okung etc. you are really stretching with this one, but if we want to play IFs I would put my IFs into Wilson who ahs proven it than 2 guys who have proven nothing. What if the guys behind them are better and cheaper, what if they draft people in the next 2 years wh90o are better and cheaper etc. okay want to keep playing If. We can but it is really a waste of time. The reality is the starters will not be the issue the 3rd teamers are were we will se the biggest issue.

The point is that well managed teams leave a margin between their actual budget and max budget. We're going to want to be able to keep a certain amount of money in our pockets in the event that we see a FA we really want or the market for a player we want to retain is abnormally high. You can't just unlock the bank vault and let Russell take as much as he wants as you and some of the others seem to be suggesting.