The Seattle Seahawks have undergone a facelift this offseason on both sides of the ball. Franchise quarterback Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, as the offense lost their leader. On the defensive side of the ball, the team released long-time linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was the leader of that unit.
Both players started their careers in 2012 and spent 10 seasons with the franchise. Both are among the best in the business at their respective positions and it will be difficult for Seattle to replace each of them.
Wagner was the heart and soul of the team’s defense the last few seasons. He was as consistent as it gets for a linebacker, making the Pro Bowl the last eight seasons. He was a fixture on the All-Pro teams as well, making it all eight seasons; he earned first-team honors six times and second-team honors twice.
The Utah State product has had at least 100 combined tackles every season of his career. In addition to that, he has 11 interceptions, 60 passes defended, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 23.5 sacks, 68 tackles for loss and 78 quarterback hits.
Wagner gets the job done and has stuffed the stat sheet throughout his career. As if releasing him wasn’t hard enough, the Seahawks will have to see him twice a season as he signed with their NFC West rivals and defending Super Bowl champion, Los Angeles Rams.
To say Wagner is motivated to play against the Seahawks is an understatement. He wasn’t pleased with how things transpired and he continued pouring it on with recent comments that he made.
Bobby Wagner doesn’t need any motivation to continue his high level of play, but Seattle certainly provided him some. He is joining a star-studded roster that has All-Pros Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey already in place defensively.
Finding success against that unit will be a struggle each week. That will put plenty of teams in a hole, as the Rams’ offense will be arguably more explosive this season with a healthier Cam Akers at running back and Allen Robinson being added as WR2 behind Cooper Kupp.
