Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson’s record-breaking extension ensures future

Russell Wilson will be staying with the Seattle Seahawks as the two sides agreed to a record-breaking four-year extension.

Russell Wilson is the new highest paid player in NFL history. The star quarterback agreed to a four-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks worth $140 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes a $65 million signing bonus and $107 million in guaranteed money. The $65 million signing bonus and average payout of $35 million a year are both records.

Wilson had set the deadline for reaching an agreement on Monday, April 15. The two sides got the deal done at the last possible minute, as first reported by Schefter.

This deal is fantastic for the Seahawks, as it was beginning to look like the team would fail to extend Wilson and run the risk of losing him next offseason. Now the team will have to direct its full attention to addressing Frank Clark‘s contract.

While it’s hard to say anyone would argue that Wilson is the best quarterback in the league, he has certainly asserted himself as the heart of the Seahawks offense and as a near perennial Pro Bowler. Over the last two seasons, no quarterback has thrown more touchdowns than Wilson (69) and no quarterback has more wins through his first seven seasons than Wilson either (75).

After seeing his dark horse MVP case fall away at the end of the 2017-18 seasons, Wilson arguably put together an even better campaign this past season, which is reflected in the size of his new deal.

Aaron Rodgers had previously held the record for the largest contract in NFL history. Rodgers signed a four-year $134 million deal ($33.5 million per year) back in August, but he didn’t even hold the record for a full year. It is unlikely that Wilson will hold the record for very long either.

Even though they are a step down on the quarterback ladder from Wilson, Jared Goff, Dak Prescott or Carson Wentz will likely be the next player to claim the title of highest paid player in NFL history.

Wilson is the greatest quarterback in Seahawks history, and the team did the right thing by giving him a record-breaking deal. Now the organization will have to face the challenges of figuring out a long-term deal for Clark and planning for next offseason when Jarran Reed and Bobby Wagner will both be free agents. Seattle’s front office will hardly have time to rest, but I’m sure Wilson will take an opportunity to relax knowing his future is financially secure.