Bobby Wagner Reaches Free Agency: Will He Return Home to the Seattle Seahawks?
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Rams and star linebacker Bobby Wagner agreed to mutually part ways, only one year into a five-year contract at $50 million.[0] This news means a lucrative year for Wagner to hit free agency again and cash in on another payday.[1] Wagner is 32 years old and played in his 11th season in 2022, producing 140 combined tackles, a career-best six sacks, five pass breakups, and two interceptions.[2] He was named to the 2022 All-Pro second team and was also rated as the top middle linebacker in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.[3]
Wagner will officially become a free agent in March and is expected to garner significant interest from around the league.[4] As a post-June 1 designation, the Rams will be able to spread out Wagner’s dead cap penalty over two years instead of one, saving them $8 million against the 2023 salary cap instead of the $5 million that was expected.[5]
While Wagner is 32, he’s still one of the best in the league at his position and was voted 2nd team All-Pro.[0] Now, the question is, will the Seattle Seahawks bring him home? Wagner was released by the Seahawks last March 8, and later that month signed a $50 million deal worth up to $65 million with the Rams.[6]
The Seahawks need help on defense, and could use a veteran presence in the middle of the field. Given that Cody Barton is to become an unrestricted free agent and Jordyn Brooks is recovering from a torn ACL, the Seahawks now have another need to address – the linebacker position.[7]
Wagner played in Seattle for his first 10 seasons and is arguably the best defensive player in franchise history.[8] He could be a great addition to the team and provide leadership in the locker room. The team is also in a good situation in terms of cap space, having the eighth-most in the league.[9]
It remains to be seen whether the two sides can come to an agreement. But one thing is for sure, Wagner’s release from the Rams opens up a whole new set of possibilities.
0. “Los Angeles Rams parting ways with All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, per report” 247Sports, 23 Feb. 2023, https://247sports.com/Article/Los-Angeles-Rams-parting-ways-with-All-Pro-LB-Bobby-Wagner-per-report-205215279/
1. “Bobby Wagner released by Rams: How much money is LA saving?” Turf Show Times, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2023/2/23/23612725/bobby-wagner-release-rams-salary-cap-2023
2. “Rams, Bobby Wagner part ways one year after signing $50M deal: report” Fox News, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rams-bobby-wagner-part-ways-one-year-signing-50m-deal-report
3. “Bobby Wagner released by Rams; Jeffery Simmons recruits him to Titans” Music City Miracles, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2023/2/23/23612655/bobby-wagner-released-by-rams-jeffery-simmons-recruits-him-titans
4. “Bobby Wagner’s 4 Best Fits In Free Agency” The Draft Network, 24 Feb. 2023, https://thedraftnetwork.com/bobby-wagner-giants-seahawks-cowboys-lions/
5. “Bobby Wagner, Rams Agree To Part Ways” RealGM, 24 Feb. 2023, https://football.realgm.com/wiretap/48901/Bobby-Wagner-Rams-Agree-To-Part-Ways
6. “NFL 2023: Bobby Wagner becomes surprise free agent after mutually agreeing to part ways with Los Angeles Rams …” Fox Sports, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nfl-2023-bobby-wagner-becomes-surprise-free-agent-after-mutually-agreeing-to-part-ways-with-los-angeles-rams-team-news-free-agency-trade-rumours/news-story/581be50cdc18affef7553c169222f7d2
7. “Seattle Seahawks free agency news: Reunion with Bobby Wagner?” 12th Man Rising, 23 Feb. 2023, https://12thmanrising.com/2023/02/23/seahawks-news-reunion-bobby-wagner/
8. “3 potential landing spots for former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner” 12th Man Rising, 24 Feb. 2023, https://12thmanrising.com/2023/02/24/seahawks-bobby-wagner-landing-spots-2/
9. “Bobby Wagner's Top Potential Landing Spots After Reported Rams Release” Bleacher Report, 7 Nov. 2022, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10066663-bobby-wagners-top-potential-landing-spots-after-reported-rams-release
