NFL PLAYER NEWS

Seahawks QB Wilson not at Tuesday OTA

The Sports Xchange

May 26, 2015 at 10:55 am.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is not on the field Tuesday as the NFC champions begin organized team activities in Renton, Wash.

Wilson, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, is absent because of a personal matter, according to multiple reports, and not posturing related to his desire to finalize a new deal with the Seahawks.

Wilson, tight end Jimmy Graham and pass rushers Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril were expected to be absent Tuesday. Graham (personal matter) was acquired from the New Orleans Saints via trade in March.

The Seahawks have many new faces to work into their system, including multiple changes on the offensive line and Graham, likely the No. 1 target for Wilson in 2015 after three seasons without a defined lead receiver.

Bennett is not pleased with his contract situation. He returned to the Seahawks from unrestricted free agency last March but would like his deal readdressed before the start of the upcoming season.

Key changes on offense beyond Graham include replacing departed free agent guard James Carpenter and center Max Unger, who was shipped to the Saints in the Graham swap.

After losing cornerback Byron Maxwell in free agency, the Seahawks will be working with two new faces in the secondary during OTAs. All-Pro safety Earl Thomas underwent shoulder surgery and could be sidelined until August or beyond.

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