New York Jets among teams interested in Bobby Wagner
When the Seattle Seahawks released franchise icon Bobby Wagner on Wednesday, two things seemed certain: First, that Seattle is headed for a full-on rebuild, and second, that teams will surely be lining up to acquire Wagner’s services.
The latter has already begun to come to fruition, and among the reported suitors are none other than the New York Jets.
Other teams I’m told have interest in Bobby Wagner inc the #Jets, #Lions and #Patriots. So yeah, the All-Decade LB will have his pick of the litter, so so speak! 💰
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2022
Gang Green is not alone in their desire to land the 31-year-old, though. Also mentioned in the same report from Jordan Schultz were the Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers, Broncos, Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, and Patriots.
A massive market is developing for former #Seahawks’ All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, league sources say.#Dolphins, #Ravens, #Chargers, #Broncos, #Rams, #Cardinals, #Niners and #Cowboys (Dan Quinn loves him but they’re short on cash) are all very interested in @Bwagz.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2022
So… pretty much half the league.
Needless to say, the Jets probably don’t have a great shot at landing the future Hall of Famer, seeing as there’s so much competition. General manager Joe Douglas has also shown a reluctance to fork over top dollar to aging players. But Wagner, who’s consistently been a top three linebacker in the entire NFL for years, could be a special case.
It’s also worth noting that head coach Robert Saleh coached Wagner during his time in Seattle, and likely played a key role in the former second-round pick’s development.
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Wagner is coming off a season that saw him record the most combined tackles in his career so far (170). That in and of itself is a pretty strong indicator of his longevity. There’s also no denying the leadership a guy like that would provide such a young Jets team, as well as the respect he would command in the locker room.
Wagner next to C.J. Mosley in the middle of the Jets defense would be formidable. It’s just a matter of how badly Douglas and Saleh want him, and if they’re willing to pay an aging player.
Ian Roddy is on Twitter @IanRoddy_
