There's a reunion happening in Seattle this weekend and for the months ahead.
Former Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner is signing a one-year, $7 million deal to return to the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Saturday evening, per sources. The team later announced it had agreed to terms.
"Happy to be back." Wagner texted Rapoport after the news broke.
Wagner, 32, is reuniting with Seattle after playing one season in Los Angeles. In 2022, Wagner started all 17 games for the Rams, recording 140 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits and two interceptions. Despite Wagner's addition, an injury-riddled season for the Rams halted the chances of Los Angeles repeating after winning a Super Bowl the previous year. Following his quick stop in the City of Angels, Wagner is now packing his bags back to Seattle to reunite with Pete Carroll and his former team.
Wagner played his first 10 seasons in the NFL for Seattle. During his Seahawks tenure, Wagner became an eight-time Pro Bowler, a six-time All-Pro selection and won Super Bowl XLVIII. As a part of the famous Legion of Boom, Wagner contributed 1,383 tackles, 78 QB hits, 68 tackles for loss and 11 interceptions.
Ranked No. 11 in Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 free agents list, Wagner's presence back in Seattle is much needed after the team's rushing defense ranked 30th last season.
The 11-year veteran joins a Seattle team without Russell Wilson this time around. Last year, Seattle went 9-8, finishing second in the division behind the 49ers. The Seahawks made a playoff appearance, but lost during Super Wild Card Weekend to San Francisco.
With Geno Smith's emergence and playing at a Pro Bowl level last season, Seattle is not in rebuilding mode. General manager John Schneider's offseason plans have been to contend for 2023. Seattle re-signed Smith, added depth by acquiring DL Dre’Mont Jones and signed a young safety in Julian Love.
After building off a successful 2022 season, the Seahawks contain 10 picks heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. Seattle has four picks in the Top 55 (Nos. 5, 20, 37 and 52 overall).
Now, Wagner will be there again to help mentor those picks while aiding Seattle's attempt at a postseason return.
