Free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner is about to join his third team in as many seasons. After one year with the Los Angeles Rams, Wagner and the team mutually agreed to part ways as the six-time All-Pro looks for a team that stands a better chance at winning a Super Bowl. Wagner might not be the player he once was, but he was still a Second-Team All-Pro last year and can be a valuable part of the right organization. Every team in the league would love to have a player like Wagner, but these five make the most sense.
Rams and nine-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner mutually agreed Thursday to part ways, sources tells ESPN.
Rams needs more cap space and Wagner wants to win. He will now be a notable part of this year’s free-agent class. pic.twitter.com/1A3KvudOhj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2023
Top 5 Bobby Wagner Free Agent Team Fits, Ranked
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a great young quarterback in Justin Herbert, which means their Super Bowl window is always open. The biggest issue with this team is defense, specifically at linebacker. Drue Tranquill is set to hit free agency, and Kenneth Murray has not played up to his first-round draft pedigree. Bobby Wagner would be a huge upgrade for Los Angeles and would turn one of the biggest needs on the roster into a strength. The Chargers will need all the help they can get to overtake the Kansas City Chiefs, and signing Wagner and a few other free agents could just do the trick.
2. Miami Dolphins
Vic Fangio is back, as one of the best defensive coordinators in football is now ready to improve the Miami Dolphins defense. As it is, the Dolphins have an impressive roster that found a way to make the playoffs despite several injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Now that the Alabama product is healthy, Miami should be better than ever and ready to compete for the AFC crown. This defense has talent, but they could use an upgrade at linebacker. Wagner is easily the best option on the market and could provide a dangerous presence in the middle of Fangio’s scheme.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Once synonymous with elite linebacker play, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to infuse some life into the heart of their defense. Devin Bush has not played well with the Steelers, and there is a very real chance that the team does not re-sign the impending free agent. Wagner wants to play for a contender, and the Steelers have the defense and offensive weapons to put up a fight in the AFC North. The only question is Kenny Pickett, but if Wagner believes in the young quarterback, then perhaps he’d be willing to sign here.
4. New York Jets
The New York Jets are near locks to land either Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers, which means that they will be competitive in 2023. As it is, they found a way to win seven games with the worst quarterback situation in football, so they should be playoff contenders with either of the aformentioned passers. Once the Jets finally get their upgrade, don’t be surprised if Wagner comes in to be the quarterback of the Jets defense. The team needs a linebacker, and winning New York’s first title since the Joe Namath Era would make Wagner into a living legend.
5. Baltimore Ravens
This one is admittedly unlikely, but it would be fun. The Ravens have already signed Roquan Smith to a massive extension, and former first-round pick Patrick Queen showed some life last year. However, Baltimore has a lot of money to spend, and if they don’t spend it on Lamar Jackson, they might decide to create the best linebacker room in football by recruiting Bobby Wagner. These three linebackers all have a different set of skills, so they could all play at the same time. Combining these three with safety Kyle Hamilton would create the most dangerous middle of the field in all of football, and that’s an important element when you share a division with the high-flying Cincinnati Bengals.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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