Despite losing key pieces to the defense like Von Miller and Darious Williams, the Los Angeles Rams netted another star as they agreed to a five-year deal with Bobby Wagner.
Wagner was a surprise cut from the Seattle Seahawks after they traded away Russell Wilson, leaving the door open for the Rams to swoop in and acquire the All-Pro linebacker. Wagner gets to come home to Los Angeles and stay in the NFC West, and figures to be an integral part of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ defense.
The Rams have a penchant for landing stars, and while it was not too much of a surprise that Wagner signed with them, several players on the roster like Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp and Jordan Fuller reacted on social media:
Let's go!! Don't have to play against @Bwagz anymore!!!!
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 31, 2022
LESGO❕ it’s UP big bro @Bwagz ❕ https://t.co/aSKrGHnZ4t
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) March 31, 2022
LETS GOOOO https://t.co/a59xFvcjaX pic.twitter.com/7YYmDRazYt
— Jordan Fuller (@j_fuller4) March 31, 2022
The excitement in the building for Wagner is palpable, and justifiably so considering his caliber as a defensive player. Historically, Los Angeles has not invested much in the linebacker position, but someone like Wagner was too good to pass up as he is a legitimate game-changer on that side of the football.
Morris has been blessed to coach defensive stalwarts in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, but adding Wagner gives them three lynchpins at every level of the field. During the 2021 campaign, the Rams were susceptible in the middle of the field, but that should no longer be the weakness it was given that Wagner is can hold up well in run support and coverage.
L.A.’s embarrassment of riches would make any team jealous, but there are moves left to be made to round out the roster. However, Wagner’s arrival is a huge step toward their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions and it will be exciting to see him step on the field.
