The NFL world received a relatively shocking piece of news on Wednesday when it was announced that the Seattle Seahawks would be releasing All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. This came just one day after the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
Wagner has terrorized the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams — and every other team he faced — during his storied 10-year career. In that time, he has made eight Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams, and won Super Bowl XLVII.
Now, as he enters the free-agent market, he is expected to receive interest from the Rams, as well as the other two NFC West teams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
“Seattle released [Wagner] far before free agency. He is going to get significant interest on the free agent market. And do not be surprised if he actually stays in the division. There’s already interest in Wagner — who was just released a couple hours ago — from three teams that he played against twice a year when he was in Seattle.”
This would include the Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals, all of whom would significantly improve if they landed Wagner. The Rams interest was confirmed by a different report, mainly due to Wagner’s ties to L.A., according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
My understanding is that the Rams would absolutely be interested in bringing in inside linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was released by Seattle this week. They have to get finances settled with their current free agents first and specifically could not come anywhere close to the $16 million Wagner was scheduled to be owed by the Seahawks in 2022. The Rams’ number would be closer to $4 million to $5 million, likely with some incentives as well. Wagner, who is from Los Angeles and whom Snead regretfully missed drafting back in 2012, may not like the money — but may want to play in his hometown on a contending team, and get two shots a year at the franchise that cut him.
The Rams reportedly are placing Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. atop their priority list. However, if Miller returns to the Denver Broncos or Beckham Jr. gets a more lucrative offer elsewhere, perhaps it would free up some extra money to go get Wagner.
At age 31, the L.A. native is still playing remarkable football, so it’s unclear if he would go all the way down to $4-5 million. However, if the Rams could get within the ballpark of other teams’ offers, perhaps he would take a hometown discount.
L.A. has plenty to work out with regard to free agency prior to the new league year beginning next week. But it’s possible that there will be more chatter connecting Wagner to the Rams.
Progress being made on Aaron Donald extension
In addition to retaining free agents and bringing in new ones, the Rams also have to focus on the contract extension of Aaron Donald. Rumors state that Donald is still deciding between a return and retirement, but has said he’ll be more likely to stay if the Rams bring back guys like Miller and Beckham Jr.
