Linebacker Bobby Wagner is a surprise free agent for the second straight year. In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks released him as part of what many thought would be a reset for the franchise. He signed a deal with the reigning champion Los Angeles Rams, who finished with a worse record than the Seahawks.
After one season in Los Angeles, Bobby Wagner and the team agreed to mutually part ways. It certainly wasn’t for a lack of success on his part as Wagner remained an elite player in his age-32 season.
For the 11th straight season, he recorded triple-digit combined tackles. For the second time in his career, he had double-digit tackles for loss and quarterback hits, while also totaling a career-high 6.0 sacks. Bobby Wagner also remains a solid player in pass coverage with two interceptions and five passes defended.
This is a player who can still be an impact player at the linebacker position. But, at his age, competing for another championship is likely as important as money. So, it should not be surprising that the teams mentioned as best fits for him are all playoff teams.
One of the teams that would be a nice landing spot for Bobby Wagner is the Philadelphia Eagles. They are the reigning NFC Champions and have spots on their defense that could use an upgrade. Two linebackers, T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, left in free agency, and Bobby Wagner could slide right into that spot seamlessly.
While Philadelphia does have Nakobe Dean ready and able to take on a larger role, if the opportunity presented itself to sign Bobby Wagner, that would be hard to pass up. Another team that is going to be looking to replace a big-time linebacker is the Buffalo Bills.
Tremaine Edmunds signed the largest contract in NFL history for an off-ball linebacker, agreeing to a deal with the Chicago Bears; he and Edwards are actually going to be teammates now. Bobby Wagner can take over his spot in the Bills’ lineup, pairing with Matt Milano to make one of the most dominant linebacker duos in the NFL.
The Eagles and Bills can both provide Bobby Wagner with a full-time starting role and the chance to compete for another ring. But, don’t count out a reunion with the Seahawks either, who also have a hole at linebacker to fill.
