The Los Angeles Rams released linebacker Bobby Wagner on Thursday (Feb. 23), according to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero.
Less than a year removed from signing a five-year, $50 million contract, the eight-time Pro Bowler heads back to free agency in what was described as a mutual parting. The 32-year-old Wagner, who won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks, wants to win now and the Rams will free up salary space, of which they are $14 million above the cap.
In one season with the Rams, Wagner tallied 140 tackles and a career-high six sacks while playing 99.17% of the team’s defensive snaps. He was the highest-graded linebacker according to PFF and has been for three of the past six seasons, only missing one game during that six-year span.
Rams releasing LB Bobby Wagner. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/Cuy1nPs5ex
— NFL (@NFL) February 23, 2023
A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, Wagner totaled 1,381 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 11 interceptions (one pick-six), six forced fumbles, nine recoveries and one safety in 10 seasons with the Seahawks. He’s been an All-Pro for nine straight seasons including First-team six times, joining Ray Lewis and Junior Seau as the only linebackers with six or more First-team All-Pro selections since 2000.
The Rams are coming off a 5-12 year, the lowest mark for a defending Super Bowl champion in league history. Injuries plagued the team, with Pro Bowlers Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald all missing significant time. They also do not have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
The release is not made official until the start of the new league year on March 15, and once it is there should be many teams vying for the elite linebacker. This early release gives Wagner the chance to start shopping around for teams early on into the free agency process.
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