The Seattle Seahawks continue to try to sort out potential contract extensions on their stacked roster.
While Russell Wilson's new deal slowly comes along, the Seahawks have turned their attention to an extension for Bobby Wagner.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that discussions have begun between the team and linebacker, per a source informed of the Seahawks' situation.
The best 'backer on the Seahawks is slotted to collect $977,427 in the final year of his rookie deal. The former second-round pick is worth a boatload more.
Wagner was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2014 despite missing five contests due to injury. There was also that one controversial MVP vote he received from Tony Dungy.
During his absence last season, the Seahawks sorely missed Wagner's sideline-to-sideline tackling ability. His value was evident upon his return. Thanks in part to Wagner, Seattle's defense dominated down the stretch, holding opponents to 6.5 points per game in the final six regular-season contests after giving up 20.4 ppg in the previous five games.
As Rapoport points out, the contracts of Wagner and Wilson are tied together. If neither agrees to a new deal, the Seahawks will only be able to place the franchise tag on one player (likely Wilson) while the other (Wagner) would hit the open market. This is not unlike what the Denver Broncos dealt with this year with Demaryius Thomas (tagged) and Julius Thomas (signed with Jacksonville).
The Seahawks' defense has already locked down Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas to long-term deals. Wagner appears to be the next name added to the list, while players like Bruce Irvin will have to wait in line and see if there is any dinero left after the ink dries in Seattle.
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