Bobby Wagner is one of the best NFL free agents available for the second consecutive offseason, hitting the open market with multiple Super Bowl contenders interested in the All-Pro linebacker.
Wagner joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks. While the Rams fell well short of expectations, the 32-year-old linebacker played at an elite level. He was named second-team All-Pro for the third time in his career and graded as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL.
After securing his release from Los Angeles, with the Rams headed into a rebuild, Wagner is fielding interest from a wide variety of suitors in NFL free agency. Based on current reporting and potential team needs around the league, we’re evaluating the NFL teams who are a good fit for him.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft order
Here are the three best landing spots for Bobby Wagner in free agency.
Seattle Seahawks
Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 47th overall pick out of Utah State, Wagner’s Hall of Fame career all began in Washington. He made the All-Rookie Team in 2012 then became a leader of the Seahawks defense and one of the best players in the NFL from 2014-’21.
- Bobby Wagner stats (Seattle Seahawks): 81 solo tackles, 10 QB hits, 10 TFLs, six sacks
Related: Seattle Seahawks keenly interested in Bobby Wagner
Look at what went wrong for the Seahawks defense in 2022 without Wagner. They ceded the second-most receiving yards (1,115) and the seventh-most touchdowns (eight) to tight ends. Seattle also surrendered the third-most rushing yards per game (150.2), the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (21) and the seventh-highest yards per rush allowed (4.9).
Pro Football Focus rated Wagner as the best linebacker against the run (91.1 PFF grade) this past season. He missed just 2.4 percent of his attempted tackles and recorded a whopping 31 stops on 437 run-defense snaps. He’s everything Seattle’s defense needs and they know how important his leadership is, it’s a perfect fit for both sides.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has suffered some massive losses this offseason, with a majority of the hits impacting the front seven. While the 2023 NFL Draft might be general manager Howie Roseman’s preference for filling the new voids on the defense, free agency can also help.
- Bobby Wagner stats (2022): 140 total tackles, 10 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks
Wagner would be the perfect mentor for second-year linebacker Nakobe Dean and Philadelphia really needs someone who can anchor this unit’s run defense. Even if Wagner isn’t close to t he athlete he used to be, his instincts and experience make up for it. Considering his interest in competing for another Super Bowl ring, Philadelphia could be a great spot to chase that while being surrounded by other great defensive players.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ interest in signing Odell Beckham Jr. and the new deal for linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suggests Wagner might not be a realistic option. However, the Stephon Gilmore trade provides credence to a belief Dallas is willing to go all-in for the Lombardi Trophy.
- Bobby Wagner PFF stats: 90.7 PFF grade, 2.0% missed tackle rate, 50 stops, 11 pressures
Wagner’s relationship with Dan Quinn and the role he would play in the Cowboys’ defense are two huge factors in picking this landing spot. Turning 33 in June, Wagner can now only be maximized if there are other great talents around him. The Cowboys have the pass rush to force opposing quarterbacks into mistakes and the new cornerback tandem can take on receivers in man coverage.
All of that allows Wagner to the Cowboys’ on-field defensive coordinator. The knowledge of Quinn’s scheme will allow him to help his teammates by making sure they are always lined up in the right spot. Wagner is truly the final piece Dallas needs to have the best NFL defense in 2023.
