RENTON — Russell Wilson wouldn’t budge much Thursday when asked about his ongoing contract negotiations after the Seattle Seahawks finished up minicamp.
Wilson is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal, which is worth $1.5 million in 2015.
“As you guys know, I’m not going to go into great detail about that at all,” Wilson said. “It’s a private matter.”
Wilson, 26, is beginning his fourth NFL season. He indicated earlier this year that he is willing to play this season without a new deal and confirmed reports that he took out an insurance policy in the event he sustains a serious injury.
“In terms of the insurance policy, that’s just being smart if I do have to play this season (without a new deal), Wilson said. “That’s all that is, really. I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked if he expects a deal to be done before training camp. Carroll said he maintains a constant dialogue with Wilson but hasn’t broached the subject of his contract negotiations.
“They’re still working at it, and I’m hopeful,” he said. “We’re hopeful. That’s why we’re working.”
Wilson seemed to understand that there will continue to be major attention regarding his long-term future in Seattle until an extension is reached.
“One thing I do know is it’s business,” Wilson said. “Business is one of those things that’s an interesting thing. I think for me I just look at it that way. I’ve always understood that I’d be at this point some time. I always kind of worked in my mind that I’d have this opportunity and it will work out however it’s supposed to work out. We’ll find out with what happens.”
Thursday marked the Seahawks’ only minicamp practice after they were penalized by the NFL and fined more than $300,000 for excessive contact during last year’s minicamp. Typically, teams are allotted a maximum of three practices.
Linebacker Bruce Irvin also addressed offseason reports that he wants to return to his hometown and play for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. In May, the Seahawks declined to pick up Irvin’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
“I want to be in Seattle. Obviously, my words got misinterpreted. You know, 2012 I had a lot of questions coming out before the draft,” Irvin said. “(Carroll) and (general manager) John (Schneider), they stuck their neck out for me, took me in the first round, so why wouldn’t I want to be here?
“I’m from Atlanta. My whole family’s still in Atlanta,” Irvin added. “That’s every kid’s dream to play for their home team, but right now I’m in Seattle and I love being in Seattle. Hopefully, that’s for the rest of my career.”
Irvin posted 37 tackles, 6.5 sacks and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2014. He admitted Thursday he was surprised when the Seahawks, who selected him with their first-round pick in 2012, opted not to pick up the option. He said it also gave him additional motivation but acknowledged the difficulty of trying to re-sign Wilson and Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner.
“They’ve got a lot of people to take care of. … Like I said, it’s a business and that stuff will work itself out,” Irvin said.
