Could eight-time Pro Bowler return to Seahawks?

Bobby Wagner, an eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Seahawks, signed a five-year, $50M deal with the Los Angeles Rams last offseason.

He was a steady performer for Los Angeles in 2022, finishing with 140 tackles, a career-high six sacks and two interceptions. 

Despite that performance, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week that the Rams and Wagner mutually agreed to part ways. CBS Sports added more context, noting the Rams sought salary cap relief and that Wagner "wants to play for a title contender."

That description may fit the Seahawks, a surprise playoff team last season after finishing 9-8 in the regular season. One area Seattle must upgrade is on defense. CBS Sports noted that one of its needs is at linebacker. 

Would a Wagner-Seahawks reunion make sense based on compensation and stylistic fit? 

Compensation

Wagner is 32 and is chasing his next Super Bowl ring. He won't command a five-year deal again. A three-year deal with a high average annual value could entice him.

He probably won't give the Seahawks a "hometown discount," not after tweeting his displeasure about his release by the club. The team apologized, but is the bridge already burned?

Per Spotrac, Seattle has $24,743,071 in cap space. The Seahawks would probably compete against the Bengals, Eagles, Giants and a few others for Wagner's services, CBS Sports reported.

Stylistic fit

"B-Wags" proved that he can help bring a championship to Seattle. He was a star on the Legion of Boom defense that was instrumental in the Seahawks winning a Super Bowl. Seattle clearly missed him last season, as the defense was a bottom-10 unit in yards and points allowed. 

A pairing of Wagner with emerging star LB Jordyn Brooks would significantly improve the Seahawks.  

Team need

Linebacker is a team need, but is it the team need for the Seahawks? Other priorities on defense include defensive tackle and safety. The answer to that question will determine if the price is right for Wagner and the team.

The verdict

There's potential for a reunion here if the price is right and unresolved tension is dealt with.

This seems like a situation in which the Seahawks will wait for the market to set Wagner's value. If he doesn't get the contract he's seeking, Seattle might offer him a chance at returning home.

Seattle is unlikely to be involved in a bidding war for Wagner, who will turn 33 in June, but it will be interested.