While many of the top free agents have come off the board, several-game changers remain available to sign. Chief among them is Bobby Wagner, who was suddenly released by the Seattle Seahawks earlier this month.
The eight-time Pro Bowler started in 16 games this past season and accumulated a career-high 170 combined tackles. After losing Von Miller to the Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Rams have been in the market for a linebacker and are among a handful of teams interested in signing Wagner.
The future Hall of Famer met with L.A. last week and there is believed to be mutual interest in getting a deal done. Up to this point, however, the Rams reportedly have been unwilling to meet Wagner’s asking price.
On Tuesday morning at the annual NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team has strong interest in adding Wagner, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“He’s a guy that obviously (we’re) very familiar with, playing him a couple times a year and three times in 2020,” McVay told reporters during his press conference Tuesday morning. “And just as impressive as I thought when you get a chance to spend some elongated periods of time together.”
Wagner also reportedly visited the Ravens on March 25. McVay said he knows Wagner is still going through the free agency process, but the Rams are “definitely interested” in adding him to the team.
“If we can get it worked out, I’d be fired up,” McVay said.
In addition to the Rams, Wagner reportedly visited the Baltimore Ravens last week. The Ravens, after adding top free-agent safety Marcus Williams this offseason, reportedly made a “competitive” offer to the 31-year-old, but he is still weighing his options.
As it currently stands, the Rams have slightly more cap space to work with than the Ravens, which could play in their favor as they attempt to lure Wagner to L.A.
Salary aside, the Rams also have the advantage of playing in Wagner’s hometown and the NFC West, where he spent the first 10 seasons of his career. Of course, Wagner made it clear that his top priority is winning, which L.A. can also offer him as they are the defending Super Bowl champions.
