The Seattle Seahawks could look to further improve their defense for next season by going back in time and reuniting with one of the best defensive players in franchise history.
Last season, the Seattle Seahawks offense was the strength of their team. Quarterback Geno Smith won “comeback player of the year” honors during a career-best season, and rookie Kenneth Walker III emerged as a legitimate RB1. That, combined with their two talented wide receivers, helped give the Seahawks a playoff-caliber team.
Related: Identifying 3 best landing spots for Bobby Wagner in NFL free agency
However, their defense was a bit of a problem as they had trouble stopping the run and getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In NFL free agency, the team has made a concerted effort to upgrade that side of the ball by signing interior pass rushers Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones and landing talented safety Julian Love.
Seattle Seahawks record (2022): 9-8, second place in NFC West
While they could use their top-10 pick in this year’s NFL Draft on a top prospect to add to the defense, it seems they may not be done adding impact players from the free-agent market.
- Bobby Wagner stats (2022): 140 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions
One of the surprising cap casualties this time last year was when the Seattle Seahawks cut ties with eight-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner after 10 seasons with the team. In 2022 he had a strong season for the Los Angeles Rams only to be a cap casually for Los Angeles in 2023.
In the early day of NFL free agency, it was rumored that a Seahawks and Wagner reunion could be possible, and despite several other signings on defense, it still seems to be possible. On Thursday, The Athletic’s Seattle Seahawks writer Michael-Shawn Dugar reported that general manager John Schneider claimed the team was still in contract talks with the 32-year-old NFL veteran.
The move would certainly help Seattle in the front seven where they need it, but the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys are reportedly also in the hunt for the six-time All-Pro.