When it comes to the physical tools and skills that involve passing, there are a number of quarterbacks better than he. And we've seen a number of games where his passing accuracy is just not there. With regard to leadership and "makeup," nobody exceeds him, and perhaps nobody is even his peer. He's off the charts. As Doc say, he's just winding up his third season, so he has more to learn in recognition, field vision, pocket skills, and decision-making, though he has progressed in those skills much farther and faster than expected. Then you have his running skills, which set him apart, even more so than what I remember from Fran Tarkenton (wait 'til his pocket skills improve!).
The real question to me is how good CAN he become as a pure passer? Have his passing skills been retarded or limited because the lack of pass rush protection has frequently been a real problem? Have they been retarded or limited because of a lack of front line receivers. A related question...is his passing skill potential such that, if needed, you could eventually, if meeded, build an offense around them?
To me, I think what Wilson brings to the game deserves great reward. But the highest? How would he do without Marshawn Lynch at RB? Granted that the QB position is more than just passing, are his other skills enough to merit being the highest paid quarterback?
I can't answer that, yet. If Lynch retires after this season, and we get some better receiving talent, I might be able to answer after next season. But not now. If it's me, I don't reward him with the #1 QB contract yet. I find some way to guarantee that to him if he demonstrates that his passing skills are better than he's shown so far, and that he can if need be sometimes carry the team with his passing, given adequate protection and better receivers.
What happens if you give him the best contract up front, and Lynch retires, and you strengthen his protection and receiving corps, but his passing skills don't progress as much as you hope? Don't you need to see them demonstrated first?
I don't know how you structure a contract that would achieve protecting both sides, but I think you need to accomplish that.
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