The Seattle Seahawks reportedly informed linebacker Bobby Wagner that they are releasing him from his contract on the same day they traded quarterback Russell Wilson.
March 8, 2022 will go down as a sad day for Seattle Seahawks fans. Earlier in the day, the team shocked the world by trading franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for three players and five draft picks. As if things were not upsetting enough for the Seahawks faithful, the team delivered the ultimate gut punch later on in the night.
According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Seahawks informed linebacker Bobby Wagner that they are releasing him from his contract. And just like that, Seattle moved on from the two longest tenured players on the roster on the same day.
Seahawks release Bobby Wagner on same day they trade Russell Wilson
The news of the team releasing Wagner does not necessarily come as a shock, as there was talk about it potentially happening towards the end of this past season. Wagner even addressed the possibility of being let go by the team, but expressed his desire to remain with the team.
Ultimately though, the Seahawks opted to release him and freed up $16.6 million in cap space for the 2022 league year. With this, Wagner will be able to sign before free agency begins next week. Given that he was an All-Pro in 8-of-10 seasons, he will command a huge market, especially for teams in need of a linebacker.
A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2012, Wagner recorded 1,383 combined tackles (68 for loss), 78 quarterback hits, 60 defended passes, 23.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles in 151 games (150 starts).
In addition to the eight All-Pro selections, Wagner earned eight Pro Bowl nominations and was the NFL’s leading tackler twice (2016, 2019). Of course, Wagner was part of the 2013 team that won Super Bowl 48.
Tuesday was officially an end of an era for Seattle sports. First Wilson and now Wagner are no longer players for the Seahawks.