What the Seahawks Signing Bobby Wagner Means for the 49ers
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Not the best news for the 49ers.
The Seattle Seahawks have signed linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year, $7 million deal, according to reports. Wagner spent the first 10 years of his career with the Seahawks before signing with the Rams last year. Now the Rams are rebuilding, so they released Wagner, even though he was one of the best linebackers in the NFL last season according to Pro Football Focus and SIS Data Hub. And the Seahawks suddenly are one of the best teams in the NFC, and a legitimate threat to the 49ers in the NFC West.
Remember, last season the Seahawks had a good run game, a good pass game, a good pass rush and good pass coverage -- they simply couldn't stop the run. They gave up rushing yards 2,554, 21 rushing touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry -- putrid numbers. And so they couldn't match up with the 49ers, who run the ball well with Christian McCaffrey.
Enter Bobby Wagner, one of the best run defenders in the NFL, as well as defensive tackles Dre'Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, two more quality run defenders the Seahawks signed this offseason. In addition, strong safety Jamal Adams will return after missing all but one game last season, and the Seahawks have the fifth pick in the draft, which they could use on a franchise-cornerstone defensive player.
The Seahawks don't have any glaring weaknesses on paper. They've had an outstanding offseason. The 49ers will have to stay healthy and play their best football next season to win the NFC West.
