The second wave of the 2022 NFL free agency period is off and running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, rumors for LB Bobby Wagner continue to be discussed. Which NFL teams need additional linebacker help and could benefit the most from acquiring Wagner in free agency?
Rumors for Bobby Wagner in 2022 NFL free agency
Along with many others, I am surprised to see Wagner still available in free agency. Wagner is the No. 1 ranked free agent linebacker for PFN and a top-10 LB on Sundays. He is one of the best interior LBs to hit the open market in years.
Last season, Wagner set a new career-high in tackles with 170 (93 solo), third-most in the NFL behind Foyesade Oluokun (192) and Seattle teammate Jordyn Brooks (184). Not bad for a player who’s 31 years old. Rumors suggest the market is heating up for the eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro. Truthfully, we could see Wagner sign at any moment.
The Rams appear to be the leading contender
According to a recent report from NFL Network NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams hosted Wagner on a free agent visit on March 23. Rapoport went on to note there is “mutual interest” in completing a deal that brings Wagner to the Rams.
The Seattle Seahawks released Wagner back on March 9 to help free up salary cap space, ending his decade-long tenure with the organization as the final remaining member of the “Legion of Boom” Era.
Los Angeles had a top-ranked defense last season, led by Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Von Miller, who is now with the Bullafo Bills on a six-year, $120 million contract. Wagner would be an instant difference-maker in the middle as the Rams currently have Ernest Jones, Travin Howard, and Christian Rozeboom as their inside linebackers.
The Rams are looking to continue their momentum as the team to beat in the NFC. Bringing in Wagner could do just that. He would also join superstar wide receiver Allen Robinson as the two splash additions of this free agency cycle. Even if Wagner does sign with the Rams, I still doubt they would be done making moves.
Dallas appears an unlikely destination
When the news broke of Wagner’s release, it didn’t take long for the Dallas Cowboys to be linked to him since current DC Dan Quinn coached Wagner in Seattle. And, like many, Dallas thinks extremely high of him both on and off the field.
However, the Cowboys appear to be losing footing in the race. According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, sources say the reunion between Quinn and Wagner appears “unlikely” and something that always seemed like a “long shot.”
Could Russell Wilson bring Wagner with him to Denver?
Is there a chance the proverbial band gets back together in Denver? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, newly acquired Broncos QB Russell Wilson has been trying to recruit Wagner to join him in Denver.
The organization is going all-in right now for a title. After trading for Wilson, Denver signed EDGE Randy Gregory and DT D.J. Jones.
The prevailing thought coming out of Denver is that Baron Browning will be moving to outside linebacker after playing inside last season. If Browning is moved to OLB, Denver will have plenty of depth with Bradley Chubb, Gregory, Malik Reed, and Jonathon Cooper.
It would leave the Broncos thin inside with Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton, but that could turn into a strength should Wagner join the Broncos as their fixture in the middle. Wagner has made it clear he wants to play for a winner. He can do just that with the Broncos, who are trying to lay claim as the team to beat in the wild AFC West.
Could Arizona keep Wagner inside the NFC West?
When Wagner was initially released, Rapoport reported the Cardinals were interested in him. This should not be a surprise as they have seen him multiple times a year and know what he can do. This was further talked about by NFL Network analyst James Jones who suggested the Cardinals as a potential destination.
Given the way the 2022 NFL offseason has gone, I will not rule anything out at this point. However, it seems unlikely we see this happen despite the reports and rumors. The Cardinals released Jordan Hicks as they apparently want to get both Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins more playing time. Signing Wagner would be a sudden change of plans. Would they say no to Wagner if he came knocking on their door? Of course not. But given the moves they have made, it seems unlikely.