The Seattle Seahawks continue to lock in young players who contributed to their success in the past few seasons, this time inking middle linebacker Bobby Wagner to a four-year extension deal worth $43 million which includes a guaranteed $22 million.
The signing of Wagner came in less than two days after Seattle inked Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to also a four-year extension contract which has a higher value at $87.6 million.
Wagner's new deal makes him the highest paid middle linebacker in the National Football League (NFL).
According to ESPN, signing Wagner and Russell, who were both 2012 draft picks, to extension deals were a main priority for the Seahawks.
Wagner staying with Seattle for four more years is huge for the team since he is the one making calls on defense, according to NFL.com.
The 25-year-old middle linebacker missed five regular season games last season. However, he had a great showing overall during the 2014 season and this was huge for the Seahawks who made it to their second consecutive Super Bowl.
In his pursuit for a new deal, Wagner almost did what a number of NFL players have been doing in their search for a contract and that is missing training camp.
ESPN reported that Wagner thought about holding out but he decided to be in camp to avoid paying a fine which could reach $30,000 per day missed.
After signing his new deal Wagner joined Wilson, cornerback Richard Sherman, running back Marshawn Lynch, tight end Jimmy Graham, free safety Earl Thomas, strong safety Kam Chancellor, outside linebacker K.J. Wright, and defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril as players who have been inked until through the 2017 season, according to NFL.com.
This is a stellar cast of young and highly-talented players who came together in Seattle, building a force to be reckoned with in the seasons to come as the Seahawks aim to win their second Super Bowl and capture more Vince Lombardi trophies.
