The Los Angeles Rams have a number of highly paid veteran players on the roster, and they decided to mutually part ways with one of them on Thursday, All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner.
Wagner played almost every defensive snap in the Rams 5-12 season in 2022. Making 140 tackles, 6 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, 2 interceptions, and 5 passes defended.
This was his first season with the Los Angeles after 10 years with the Seahawks. Wagner turns 33 in June.
The Rams aren’t the only team making moves to move on from a veteran player this week, the Titans did it with multiple players on Wednesday.
Impact On The Rams
Wagner’s release will free up about $5 million in cap space, potentially more if it’s a post-June 1 designation.
He’s been a impactful player for the Rams, earning a 90.7 PFF grade while being named to his 9th All-Pro selection in a row.
Bobby Wagner is one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL and has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks and Rams defenses in his career. Losing a player of Wagner’s caliber is a major blow to the Rams defense and could impact their ability to compete in the NFC West and the NFL as a whole.
Additionally, Wagner is well-respected around the league, and his release could have a ripple effect on the free agent market and the linebacker position in general.
Other teams would likely be interested in signing Wagner now that he became available, and his release could set off a chain reaction of moves as teams look to adjust their rosters and fill any gaps in their defenses.
Bobby Wagner played almost every defensive snap for the #Rams this year. He made 140 tackles, 6 sacks, 10 TFL, 10 QB hits, 2 INTs, and had 5 passes defended.
He earned a PFF grade of 90.7 and earned his 9th straight All-Pro team.
Still an impact player.https://t.co/GMrRYrOiQ7 pic.twitter.com/29iorsOULM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 23, 2023