Rams Release LB Bobby Wagner, Ravens Interested in Signing All-Pro?
The Los Angeles Rams have released former All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner in what has been described as a "mutual parting of the ways". Are the Baltimore Ravens paying attention?
Said to be a casualty of the Rams' salary-cap squeeze, Wagner is now suddenly available. The Ravens showed interest in Wagner last offseason after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks.
Wagner paid a visit to the Ravens and met with general manager Eric DeCosta in March of last year, but left Baltimore without reaching a deal. Wagner ultimately signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Rams, but played just one season of that deal.
Last season, Wagner played in all 17 games for the Rams, collecting 140 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, and 10 quarterback hits.
Last month, the Ravens signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract after acquiring him via trade from the Chicago Bears. But there's certainly more room for another star at the position.
Wagner was drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft from Utah State and became an immediate starter at middle linebacker and produced 140 tackles and three interceptions as a rookie, helping lead the team to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Over the next nine seasons, he surpassed 100 tackles every time, including leading the league in that category in 2016 and 2019.
In 2021, Wagner joined exclusive company, alongside former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and London Fletcher, as only the third player to amass 100 or more tackles in 10 consecutive seasons since 1987.
In addition to his tackling prowess, Wagner quickly emerged as one of the game's best coverage linebackers, surfacing as the perfect prototype for a middle linebacker in today's pass-happy NFL with elite sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts.
Since entering the league more than a decade ago, he has produced 65 passes defended and 13 interceptions while scoring four defensive touchdowns.
Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram
Listen to the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on Twitter
Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
