Seahawks to release LB Bobby Wagner shortly after trading QB Russell Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks dramatically reshaped the future of their franchise Tuesday by trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, and they completed the makeover later in the day by informing linebacker Bobby Wagner that he will be released.

Wagner, 31, was informed of his impending release Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, which will clear about $16.6 million in salary cap space for Seattle. 

A second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Wagner missed only 10 games over his 10 seasons with the Seahawks. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and earned First Team All-Pro honors six times.

With Wagner at the middle of the Seattle defense, the Seahawks built one of the best defenses in NFL history that called itself the "Legion of Boom." It allowed the fewest points in the league for four consecutive seasons and anchored a Seattle team that won Super Bowl XLVIII and narrowly lost in Super Bowl XLIX.

Wilson and Wagner were the only players left on the Seahawks roster from the team that won Super Bowl XLVIII, but now both are headed elsewhere as Seattle begins a rebuild after a 7-10 season and last place finish in the NFC West.