Russell Wilson's contract negations with the Seattle Seahawks continue to unravel in a kinked sort of fashion.
The complexity of the situation -- Wilson being a third-round pick and woefully underpaid, only part of the issue -- makes it difficult to get a deal, especially before the 2015 season starts.
The quarterback confirmed he took out an insurance policy in case he gets badly injured playing under the final year of his rookie deal that will pay him just $1.5 million this season.
"That's just being smart," he said of the policy, shrugging his shoulders after practice, via The News Tribune. "If I do have to play this season (without signing-bonus cash from a new, long-term contract), that's just being smart. That's all that is, really. I think that's the right thing to do."
Wilson added he's hopeful a deal will get done before training camp starts next month, but said even if negotiations stretch into the season, it's not something that will distract him from the goal of getting back to a third-straight Super Bowl.
Coach Pete Carroll added the sides wouldn't ever shelve the conversation until after the season to avoid perceived distractions.
"No, I don't care how long we keep working," Carroll said. "Whatever it takes, to do the right thing.
"I'm hopeful. That's why we are working."
Wilson's situation is one of the most rare in the NFL given his importance to the team, level of play and cheap rookie deal, to name a few variables. This one could take a while for the sides to come to agreement.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses the latest Top 100 rankings and Chris Wesseling takes on contestants in Win Wess' Toaster! Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
