Report: Seahawks asked Russell Wilson to limit endorsements
The Seattle Seahawks asked quarterback Russell Wilson to limit some of his endorsements, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Mortensen also reported that Wilson knew that the team was going to trade receiver Percy Harvin for more than a month and tried to argue that he should be kept.
It's been reported since Harvin's trade to the New York Jets last week that the Seahawks have had issues in their locker room, both relating to Harvin's reported confrontational behavior and separate from it.
Wilson said this week that there's no division in the team's locker room after a report that some teammates didn't think Wilson is "black enough."
• BURKE: Is loss to Lions the end for Falcons coach Mike Smith?
According to Mortensen, any ill will felt by teammates relates to "quarterback dynamics" involving Wilson and his numerous endorsements and commercials, leading the team to make its request of the quarterback. Wilson told the Seahawks all his commercials were filmed in the offseason so there's nothing he could do to limit them now.
Wilson makes just $662,000 in salary per NFL rules relating to rookie contracts. He isn't allowed to negotiate a new deal until next year.
The report says the idea that the Seahawks' locker room is divided is "very much overstated," though the team has reportedly grown tired of running back Marshawn Lynch's behavior and doesn't plan on bringing him back next season, even though Lynch is signed through 2015.
• Sammy Watkins' early celebration costs Bills a touchdown
Wilson, 25, has thrown for 7,766 yards and 62 touchdowns in two-plus NFL seasons, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two years. Entering Sunday, Wilson has thrown for 1,291 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions this season while completing 65.7 percent of his passes.
The Seahawks are 3-3 this season and in third place in the NFC West. They play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
- Ben Estes
