In a bombshell move, Seattle’s rivals – the Los Angeles Rams – are releasing future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner. Last offseason, the Seahawks released Wagner, who then signed a five-year contract with the Rams for their Super Bowl title defense.
Life moves fast in the NFL, and Los Angeles has let Wagner go after only one season. The initial reporting declared it to be a “mutual parting” between the two sides, but Wagner seemingly disputes this particular claim.
Whatever the case may be, there is one thing that is absolutely certain:
It’s time for the Seattle Seahawks to bring Wagner back home to the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle cut Wagner last year following on the same day of the blockbuster trade of Russell Wilson to Denver. Not only did the move signal the true end of an era for the Seahawks, it was also wrought with contention. Wagner took to Twitter to explain Seattle’s brass didn’t even inform him of their plans.
To their credit, general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll expressed regret and shouldered the blame for how it went down. Carroll and Wagner certainly seemed to be on good terms following Seattle’s victory over the Rams in Week 13. However, sometimes apologies aren’t always enough.
A meaningful gesture the Seahawks could make to mend fences with a franchise icon would be to find a way to bring Wagner back in the fold. With Jordyn Brooks’ knee injury, there is considerable need for a linebacker – especially one coming off another 140 tackles.
Seattle ultimately cut Wagner due to his immense salary, and he still won’t come cheap. But if you ask us, bringing back a beloved player who also improves your struggling defense seems well worth the investment.
