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Turns out the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson did make their deadline, after all.
In a video posted on Twitter shortly after midnight Tuesday morning, Wilson declared the two parties’ much-discussed new contract extension done.
SEATTLE. Let’s get it. @Seahawks #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/xeWnEnUzmR
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 16, 2019
In case you can’t listen in, Wilson says: “Hey, Seattle. We got a deal. Go Hawks. But I’m gonna see y’all in the morning. Time for y’all to go to bed.”
Soon after, Adam Schefter reported contract details in line with what many had speculated: $140 million over four years.
At the last minute, just before their own imposed deadline, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks reached agreement on a deal that makes the Seattle QB the NFL’s new highest-paid player, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 16, 2019
With the new contact, Wilson becomes not only the highest-paid pro athlete in Seattle history, but also the highest-paid player in the NFL, surpassing Aaron Rodgers. Congratulations quickly came in from teammates past and present.
Congrats @DangeRussWilson ! Well deserved my g
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) April 16, 2019
I’m not sure why anyone ever thought the hawks was going to let @DangeRussWilson walk out the door! The man does everything right, oh and he wins games!
— Cliff Avril (@cliffavril) April 16, 2019
Wilson, John Schneider and Pete Carroll thus avoid carrying protracted negotiations through the NFL draft and the summer, and the use of the franchise tag. Now Wilson’s a Seahawk through 2023.