[
247sports.com]
Jack Del Rio expects Russell Wilson in a different uniform
ByJohn Newby
The Seattle Seahawks fans don't want to hear this.
Former Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was on the NFL Network's "Up To The Minute" on Monday to talk about all things NFL. During this conversation, he finally commented on the Khalil Mack trade that shocked the NFL, which was expected. After all, Mack enjoyed some wildly successful seasons in the Bay Area while Del Rio was running the show. However, this wasn't the only topic that was explored by the former head coach. He also brought up a wild possibility involving the quarterback of a different franchise.
"Don't be surprised, if, when all is said and done," Del Rio said, "when we line up for the season next year if Russell Wilson isn't quarterbacking somewhere else. And the Seahawks haven't gone and gotten a quarterback for the future."
This seems like a very bold statement by the former NFL coach, but he has multiple sources for this viewpoint. For example, the Seahawks did not give big money deals to Richard Sherman or Earl Thomas, which resulted in the talented defenders leaving town for new opportunities and better paydays. Additionally, Del Rio is concerned about the looming contract extension that has dominated headlines in the Pacific Northwest.
"Just the way he gave the deadline," Del Rio said. "He's been a tremendous player there. But to me, that gives just enough ammo for the fans out there to not really like that and enough for the Seahawks to maybe do what they've done. Jettisoning some of their other players before they overpay. They like to run it, they like to play defense. I just wouldn't be shocked. It wouldn't be out of the question for me to see the Seahawks do that."
Last week, it was learned that Wilsonreportedlyimposed a fictional deadline of April 15, which is when the Seahawks start their offseason program, for he and the organization to come to terms on a new deal -- a deal likely to make Wilson the highest paid quarterback/player in the NFL.According to additional reporting, general manager John Schneider and company have known about the deadline since January andwhile there is no plan Bat quarterback but to have Wilson long-term; there was also very little in the way of talking before the deadline came to the public's attention.
At this point, Del Rio's assessment of the situation still seems like a fever dream, but there are indicators that this contract situation could turn ugly, albeit in a passive aggressive manner. Wilson has already acknowledged that he won't be holding out if the contract extension doesn't happen by April 15, but it won't make the situation any easier. The Seahawks reportedly know what it will take to get the deal done and have been planning for this situation for quite some time, so why haven't they made the move?
If the Seahawks and Wilson don't reach an agreement in the coming week, it's possible that Del Rio's prediction will become more realistic by the day.
