The Seattle Seahawks finally ended the contract dispute saga they had with quarterback Russell Wilson, inking him to a four-year, $87.6 million extension that makes him the second highest-paid player in the National Football League (NFL).
Wilson's deal will earn him $21.9 million annually and is second only to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' $22 million per year contract.
The 26-year-old quarterback's new contract with Seattle also includes a $31 million signing bonus and a guaranteed $61.53 million.
Before striking a deal, Wilson had already said that he was shutting down contract negotiations Friday when they began training camp; but the Seahawks were able to beat his deadline.
On his Facebook page, Wilson posted, "I want to thank God, the Seattle Seahawks The 12th Man but most importantly my agent and best friend, Mark Rodgers, for fighting for me every day even when people started getting negative about us. I couldn't be happier to know I'll be in this city for the next four years. #gohawks #SB50"
In previous weeks, Wilson was vocal about his willingness to play for the Seahawks this 2015 season even though there was no new deal for him then. At the time, he was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, which would earn him only $1.5 million, far less lucrative than the money he will get with his new contract.
Locking Wilson to a four-year deal is huge for Seattle as he was one of the leaders that brought them to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the past two seasons and winning the franchise's first championship in Super Bowl XLVIII.
As the third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2012, Wilson already has 42 wins, six playoff victories, and two Super Bowl starts in just three seasons in the NFL.
Now with a new contract, Wilson can focus on football as he tries to lead the Seahawks to its second Super Bowl victory next season.
