The Seattle Seahawks may be getting a do-over following the surprising release of Bobby Wagner by the Los Angeles Rams, immediately making the eight-time Pro Bowler a free agent. It marks the second time in less than one year that Wagner has been cut.
Wagner signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Rams last offseason and was slated to have a $7.5 million salary in 2023. There was still four seasons remaining on Wagner’s contract before the Rams released the linebacker.
“Rams and nine-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner mutually agreed Thursday to part ways, sources tells ESPN,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in a series of February 23, 2023 tweets. “Rams needs more cap space and Wagner wants to win. He will now be a notable part of this year’s free-agent class. Bobby Wagner started all 17 games this past season for the Rams and was PFF’s highest-graded linebacker. Wagner was voted All-Pro for the ninth straight year.”
It will be worth watching to see if Seattle makes a run at Wagner given their current need at linebacker. The Seahawks released Wagner in March of 2022 for financial reasons but also wanted to allow young players like Jordyn Brooks to take the next step in their careers with added responsibility. Brooks is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury which could open up the door for Seattle to make a run at Wagner now that he is a free agent.
Pete Carroll on Bobby Wagner: ‘We Miss Everything About Him’
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll spoke glowingly about Wagner, and the two were spotted conversing following one of the Los Angeles-Seattle matchups last season. Carroll admitted the franchise misses “everything about” Wagner after the team opted to release the veteran last offseason. The star linebacker was in the midst of a three-year, $54 million contract with Seattle prior to his release.
“Oh, he’s been so consistent for so long, and he’s a terrific athlete at the spot, an excellent tackler and all the diagnostics and all that stuff,” Carroll said during a November 30 press conference. “He’s got it all, but it’s his consistency that has been remarkable. That he’s always there and he always battles and it’s the only way we’ve ever known him.
“…We miss everything about him. There’s no replacing him. He was a unique, one-of-a-kind guy.”
The Seahawks Are Projected to Have More Than $31 Million in Cap Space
Wagner notched his 11th straight season eclipsing 100 tackles as the linebacker posted 140 takedowns to go with 10 quarterback hits, six sacks, five pass deflections and two interceptions in 17 starts last season. The former Seahawks star earned a stellar 90.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, Wagner’s highest score since 2018.
It remains to be seen what Wagner will command on the open market, but the Seahawks may be able to bring the linebacker back for much less than he was making on his previous deal with Seattle. The Seahawks are projected to have more than $31 million in cap space this offseason giving them the financial room needed to make another run at Wagner if general manager John Schneider chooses to do so.
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Seahawks Have Chance to Reunite With $50 Million Star After Surprising Cut