The Sports Xchange

RENTON, Wash. — While the Seattle Seahawks are struggling to get a contract extension done with quarterback Russell Wilson, matters are apparently better with middle linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Like Wilson, Wagner has completed three years of his initial four-year deal and is eligible for an extension.

The thought had been that the Seahawks wanted to get something done with Wilson first and then move on to Wagner, who last season became unquestionably one of the best middle linebackers in the game.

But with talks with Wilson at a standstill, the team recently became more serious about getting a deal completed with Wagner — not wanting to risk each playing out the season without an extension.

And indications are that things are moving swiftly with Wagner and something could be done well before training camp begins in late July.

Wagner is thought to be asking for a contract close to the $10 million-a- year that’s considered the going rate for a top-flight middle linebacker. And unlike with Wilson, there does not appear to be much difference in how the team values Wagner and what he wants.

Seattle also has signed extensions in the last few years with the likes of safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, cornerback Richard Sherman, linebacker K.J. Wright and defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, all of whom are under contract through at least the 2017 season.

Re-signing Wagner would further solidify the Seattle defense for the immediate future.

Wagner told the Seattle Times in May that he had not heard anything about his contract, but that he hoped to get something done soon.

–The Seahawks will finally take to the field on Thursday after spending the first few days of their minicamp holding meetings and doing other off-field stuff.

Seattle is limited to one minicamp practice this year after being penalized by the NFL last season for violating rules regarding contact in minicamp.

–The Seahawks recently signed wide receiver Kasen Williams as an undrafted rookie free agent. Williams grew up in the Seattle suburb of Sammamish and went on to play at the University of Washington, although his career was derailed by a foot injury midway through his junior season.

That contributed to him going undrafted. He agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals, but then failed a physical and took part in the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

Seattle waited to sign Williams, though, because he would not have been able to take part in OTAs since Washington had not held graduation.

–Running back Marshawn Lynch is attending minicamp after sitting out all of OTAs, which he does each year, deciding he can skip voluntary sessions.

Lynch avoids being fined, as he has made clear during Super Bowl media sessions, and will again attend the minicamp. However, he also usually does not step on the field during minicamp and it’s unlikely he will this year, likely leaving any of the heavy work to younger players such as third-year back Christine Michael.

Lynch’s primary backup, Robert Turbin, remains sidelined while rehabbing from offseason hip surgery.