Getty Ex-Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
Seattle Seahawks great Bobby Wagner is taking his talents to a hated rival.
According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday, March 31, Wagner is signing a five-year, $50 million — worth up to $65 million — with the Los Angeles Rams.
“Former Seahawks’ Pro-Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner is signing a five-year, $50 million deal worth up to $65 million with the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources,” reported Schefter. “Wagner is staying in the NFC West.”
Wagner had spent all 10 years of his career with the Seahawks prior to being released earlier in March. The release came just hours after Seattle had completed a trade sending their other longtime franchise player, Russell Wilson, to the Denver Broncos.
While the move wasn’t all that surprising due to the Seahawks heading into a rebuilding direction, Wagner’s explanation on how he found out about his release was a surprise. According to the 31-year-old linebacker, the Seahawks didn’t inform him he was being released before the news broke on media outlets.
“Crazy part about all this. I played there for 10 years & I didn’t even hear it from them that I wasn’t coming back,” Wagner revealed on March 11.
Wagner Remains Top-Tier Player at Advanced Age
Despite his advanced age, Wagner remains a top-tier player. The 10-year veteran is coming off of his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and All-Pro selection. The veteran linebacker posted 170 tackles, a career-high mark despite the fact he missed all but one snap in his final two games.
According to Pro Football Focus, posted a 71.8 defensive grade during the 2021 season and an 83.2 defensive grade during the 2020 season. Wagner ranked 22nd among all linebackers in 2021 and third among all linebackers in 2020.
Wagner had narrowed his options down to two remaining teams in recent days, with the Baltimore Ravens being the other franchise.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson had reported as recently as Tuesday, March 29, that the Ravens were “still talking” to Wagner.
“I’m told that Bobby Wagner and the Ravens are ‘still talking,’ per league source,” said Anderson. “That’s definitely positive, yet still fluid.”
However, Wagner was seeking a deal that would pay him over $10 million per season — a possibility with the Rams, as the deal could be worth as much as $65 million across five seasons ($13 million per year).
Wagner will now have the opportunity to seek revenge on his former team twice a year with the defending Super Bowl champions.
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NFL Exec: Baker Mayfield is Seahawks’ ‘Best Option’
As trade rumors continue to swirl linking Baker Mayfield’s name to the Seahawks, an NFL executive believes it’s a perfect match.
An NFC personnel executive believes Mayfield is actually Seattle’s “best option.”
“There’s no doubt that Baker Mayfield is Seattle’s best option,” an NFC personnel executive told FanSided’s Matt Lombardo. “He’s only 26 years old.
“Is he a headstrong guy? Is he a prideful guy? Absolutely, bigger than life, and that’s alright. Pete Carroll can corral that in. That’s what he’s good at.”
It has been assumed that Mayfield would be on the move following the Cleveland Browns’ trade acquisition of Deshaun Watson and their signing of Jacoby Brissett as his backup.
However, Watson’s off-the-field allegations could lead to a lengthy suspension, which would mean the Browns could end up retaining Mayfield, according to CBS Sports’ Anderson.
If the Seahawks do end up making a play for Mayfield, the Browns would likely have to eat a sizable portion of his $18.9 million salary.
Assuming that part is sorted out, the scenario of the Seahawks acquiring Mayfield is a very possible one.
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