Seahawks GM on releasing Bobby Wagner: 'An extremely difficult day'

Former Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks GM on releasing All-Pro Bobby Wagner: 'This is an extremely difficult day'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/9/22

March 8, 2022, will long be thought of among fans of the Seattle Seahawks as the day an era ended. Whether or not that date will fondly be remembered as the start of a much-needed rebuild by those supporters likely won't be known for some time.

Hours after reports first surfaced Tuesday that the Seahawks had come to terms on a blockbuster trade that involves them sending one-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, news broke that Seattle was also parting ways with All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Per John Boyle of the club's website, the Seahawks officially released Wagner on Wednesday.

"This is an extremely difficult day for the organization," general manager John Schneider remarked in the release. "Bobby has been at the center of our defense for the past 10 seasons and always represented our organization with class. He is a special player and person, and we are forever grateful. Bobby will always be a Hawk."

Wagner and the Seahawks thanked each other via Twitter:

Forever grateful. Forever a Seahawk.

» https://t.co/AcKrm4g0Eu pic.twitter.com/xUGMbfomZO
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 9, 2022

Thank you Seattle for everything. It will forever be my home.
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) March 9, 2022

Thank you for everything https://t.co/NUKLu0mxdi
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 9, 2022

Wagner originally joined the Seahawks via the second round of the 2012 draft and has only played for that organization throughout his NFL tenure. The 31-year-old earned six First-Team All-Pro nods and eight Pro Bowl selections with Seattle and was part of the "Legion of Boom" defense that dominated the Denver Broncos to win Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014.

"Bobby is one of the great Seahawks of all-time," head coach Pete Carroll added. "His leadership in the community, locker room, and on the field is a tribute to his character and consistency. Bobby set an incredible example for all to follow, and we will continue to follow him all the way to the Hall of Fame."

Per Brady Henderson of ESPN, the Seahawks save $16.6 million in cash and salary-cap space by releasing Wagner, with $3.75 million in dead money left behind. Because Seattle didn't wait until the start of the new league year next week to complete this transaction, Wagner can negotiate with other clubs immediately.

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