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Seahawks, Wilson Agree To Four-Year Extension
As Profootballtalk.com's Michael David Smith put it: "Sometimes all it takes to get a deal done is setting a deadline." Apparently, even if it's an artificial deadline. ... This after the Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson have reached a deal at the last minute of a deadline set in February to get a deal done before training camp opened.

The Seahawks' first practice is today.

Wilson had stated several times he was willing to play out the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him a $1.54 million base salary. That won't be the case, however. Wilson confirmed on Twitter that he will be with Seattle for four more years.

"Blessed to be w/ this organization for 4 more years! Can't wait to get on field w/ the fellas! @Seahawks #ChampionshipMindset #GoHawks"

To be clear, it's a four year extension. Wilson is now under contract for five more years.

According to Peter King of TheMMQB.com, Wilson’s total take over the four new years of the deal will be more than $87 million. The total value over the next five years is $89.1 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the contract includes $60 million in guaranteed money. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport notes that Wilson will get a $31 million signing bonus.

Despite a widespread belief that Wilson intended to become the highest-paid player in the game, with a contract worth more than the $22 million the Packers gave to Aaron Rodgers, PFT's Mike Florio reports that Wilson's "new-money" average is $21.9 million annually.

The $60 million guaranteed is on par with what Panthers quarterback Cam Newton earned on his five-year extension earlier this offseason.

Wilson's contract sets him up to make $3.1 million more than Newton, $200,000 more than Ben Roethlisberger and $1.3 million less than Rodgers over the four-year timeframe, per OverTheCap.com -- if all the quarterbacks play out their current deals.

By signing a four-year extension, Wilson will enter the final year of his deal at just 30 years old, giving him an opportunity for another big payday. The shorter deal was a concession by the Seahawks.

Wilson, a third-round pick in 2012, has had one of the most impressive starts to a career by any NFL quarterback. Through three NFL seasons he ranks first in total wins (42), playoff wins (6) and Super Bowl starts (2). He's also second in passer rating (98.5) and fourth in touchdown passes (84). Wilson has conducted the most game-winning drives by a quarterback since entering the league in '12 (15).

As Dolphins CB Brent Grimes recently told ESPN.com: “He isn’t the traditional guy, but when it comes down to just basics -- can he make accurate throws and make all the throws? -- he can definitely do that. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and when they need big plays, he makes them. You hear a lot about their defense, and it is amazing, but I believe that he is a big, big part of their team winning games.”

In addition to benefiting from his play on the field, Seattle was able to build the NFL’s deepest and most talented roster while devoting less than $1 million per year to the starting quarterback since Wilson was drafted in 2012.

That, of course, has changed.

Still, his overall fantasy value remains reasonable given the addition of Jimmy Graham, one of the league’s top red-zone receiving weapons.

As the Sports Xchange's Derek Harper suggested, "Say what you will about the Seahawks' run-based offense and Wilson's lack of dynamic wideouts -- the fourth-year quarterback enters 2015 poised to again post career numbers."

According to Harper, Graham will serve as the big downfield threat Wilson has lacked since Sidney Rice was healthy during Wilson's rookie season. Graham will command extra attention, leaving the Seahawks' possession wideouts to work in man coverage and also potentially clearing more lanes for Wilson to escape the pocket

Despite the high-end passer rating, Wilson has never thrown for at least 3,500 yards.

Harper believes that will change this season, and he should get back to the 25-30 touchdown range of his first two seasons with Graham working the red zone and defenses still focused on Marshawn Lynch near the goal line.

While Wilson's passing numbers have always been modest, he always ratchets up his fantasy value with his legs -- contributing 849 yards and six touchdowns on the ground last season. That tied Wilson for 16th in the NFL in rushing.

If he can bump up his passing totals, his total yardage should approach the 4,500 mark along with the potential for 35 total TDs.

Don't shy away come draft day.