While most experts feel Russell Wilson was a big winner in his contract negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks, a differing point of view suggests that his deal actually may be more like that of the team-friendly variety that rival Colin Kaepernick signed.
Business Insider reported that Wilson's new four-year, $87.6 million contract includes $61.5 million in guarantees if he is injured, which is the largest sum ever for an NFL contract. He also earned more than half of his money up front, which dwarfs the 22.7 percent of the six-year deal Kaepernick signed last summer with the 49ers ($25.9 of $114 million, according to a Business Insider chart).
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Based on information from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport and Sportrac, however, Business Insider added that the actual language about Wilson's contract should read:
"Russell Wilson's new deal is really a one-year, $31.7 million contract with four years of team options."
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Explained like that, Wilson's contract suddenly sounds eerily like the one Kaepernick was criticized for signing with the 49ers that gave all the power to the team. In Kaepernick's deal, San Francisco has the opting to cut the quarterback before April 1 of any given year left on his contract and would be free and clear of any additional money owed to the Nevada alum.
According to a Business Insider chart, Wilson's contract breaks down in similar fashion:
• 2015 - $31.7 million ($31 million signing bonus, $700,000 salary) fully guaranteed at signing.
• 2016 - $12.3 million, becomes guaranteed if still on the team February 26.
• 2017 - $12.6 million, becomes guaranteed if still on the team on the fifth day of the 2017 waiver period.
• 2018 - $15.5 million, $4.9 million becomes guaranteed if still on the team on the fifth day of the 2017 waiver period.
• 2019 - $17 million, not guaranteed.
Kaepernick is facing a crucial year in 2015 after a subpar 2014 and could be in danger of being released after the season if he doesn't show improvement.
Wilson's contract confirms that he could be in the same dilemma a couple of years from now.
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