When future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner returned to Seattle after a one-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams, Seahawks fans were likely thankful they’d never have to see Wagner play in another uniform. Unfortunately, that reality did not come to pass.
For the second time in three years, the Seahawks and Wagner parted ways. Wagner returned to Seattle in 2023 on a one year deal. But with the Seahawks moving on from former head coach Pete Carroll, chances of re-signing Wagner seemed nonexistent.
Ultimately, they were, as Wagner followed his former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, where he is the new head coach. Now, the Seahawks legend is wearing the gold and burdgundy of the Commanders, and we have our first official look at him in these threads.
Another day closer@budlight | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/v1wl2nis5k
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 16, 2024
Wagner may be 34 years old but he is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. Last year, he set a personal record with 183 total tackles as he earned his ninth Pro Bowl bid. The Seahawks defense was an absolute disaster last year, but Wagner was one of the lone bright spots on an otherwise dismal unit.
This time, it feels as if Wagner is departing Seattle on better terms. There was some bitterness after the Seahawks apparently released him without notifying him directly. However, fences were clearly mended. Carroll and general manager John Schneider openly expressed remorse for how it went down, and both sides seemed to come to an understanding.
In the NFL, it isn’t personal, it’s just business. Right now, that is what it feels like. Wagner obviously still has gas left in the tank and the Seahawks want to go in a different direction under new leadership.
In the end, when it’s all said and done, there is little doubt in my mind Wagner will sign one final contract with Seattle when he is ready to hang up the cleats and call it a career.
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