Rockies Agree To Terms With Russell Wilson

Tracy Ringolsby:

Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback for North Carolina State.

His professional future, however, is in baseball, and he took the first step in that direction on Saturday. Wilson, who had worked out for two days with the Colorado Rockies, agreed to a contract.

Wilson will report to short-season Class A Tri-City in the next day or two, but will be allowed to play this fall for North Carolina State’s football team. Wilson was the Rockies fourth-round draft choice.

Listed as an outfielder he worked at second base with Rockies infield instructor Rich Dauer on Saturday.

Obviously, "will be allowed to play" is not the same as "will play," but if this report is accurate, the first hurdle has been cleared.  While there was never much reason to doubt Wilson's intentions--I don't think his post-draft press conference was a ploy--I worried that once the two sides sat down and started talking real money, things would change.  But this agreement means the Rockies have no sticking-point-serious problem with Wilson playing football, which is good news indeed.

Wilson probably signed a five-year deal that includes provisions for money to be withheld if he gets hurt playing football.

This article has a few (pre-signing) quotes from Wilson on his visit.