Six Time All-Pro Veteran Linebacker and Seattle Seahawk, Bobby Wagner is testing free agency this week after being unlikely to return to the team. The first day of legal tampering has begun throughout the league and there have been a massive amount of signings. However, free agency officially opens up tomorrow and many linebackers like Wagner are free to sign elsewhere immediately. The 12-year veteran spent the entirety of his NFL career with the Seahawks, following a one-season stint with the Los Angeles Rams.
As the new Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald embarks on a new journey with the team, Wagner is not a part of that anymore. This also includes after the release of starting safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Also, their other linebacker Jordyn Brooks is heading to the Miami Dolphins on a three-year deal. So many departures in their roster make it that there’s a new era now with the Seahawks.
The final member of the Legion of Boom is heading elsewhere and there has been no indication where he’s heading. Wagner appeared in all games for the Seahawks in 2023, setting a career-high of 186 tackles and 1,170 snaps at the age of 33. He remains a strong player on the run defense but is inconsistent in stopping the passing game. This could be a reason why he hasn’t been taken off the board yet, but whatever it may be, there are plenty of suitors watching.
Wagner had his ups and downs with the Seahawks after they opted to release him on the same day they traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos in 2022. What was once a reunion is now being pushed out after Pete Carroll’s recent firing from the team.
All-Pro and Pro Bowl LB Bobby Wagner is expected to test the market, and it’s currently viewed as unlikely that he returns to the #Seahawks, source said. Coming off a career-high 183 tackles, Wagner joins a talented off-the-ball LB group in free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2024
Six-Time All-Pro Veteran Linebacker Bobby Wagner is testing free agency
A New Era Means a Fresh New Start
While the reunion didn’t last long, it will be worth watching to see who Macdonald brings in to replace Wagner. However, things are looking quiet for the team after no moves were during the legal tampering period. They’re still making some adjustments on their roster, including re-signing Tight End Noah Fant to a new contract. Things may not be quiet any longer for Wagner, though as he’s expecting to sign on a new team soon.
Wagner still made his ninth Pro Bowl of his career, something he has accomplished every year with Seattle in 2014. Wagner is still playing at a high level coming off the Pro Bowl campaign he had. He posted over 1,700 career tackles, 94 quarterback hits, 33 sacks and 13 interceptions. Wagner could considerably still be in his prime with the knowledge and experience he has.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of contract Wagner demands from teams. He could go cheap for teams depending on his intrigue of a team. The question is what team will be interested in Wagner’s services despite his age?
Potential Suitors for Wagner
The linebacker free-agent class includes Devin White, Josey Jewell, Shaquille Leonard and Denzel Perryman. One team that could sign Wagner is the Dallas Cowboys as they’re one linebacker away from having their depth being shot. Leighton Vander-Esch isn’t expected to come back, so Wagner could be a good veteran replacement. The Baltimore Ravens are another team that may close in on the veteran after they lose Patrick Queen to the market.
