Seahawks have big decision between Bobby Wagner and Jarran Reed in 2020
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks may be finishing up free agency for 2019. But 2020 will bring up a huge question: Does Seattle extend Bobby Wagner or Jarran Reed or both?
The Seahawks no longer have to worry about finding the money to extend Frank Clark. He was traded. And Seattle already signed an extension with quarterback Russell Wilson for something like $3 billion. But in 2020, Seattle may have to choose between extending Jarran Reed or Bobby Wagner.
Both Wagner and Reed will be free agents after next season. And both players are extremely valuable to Seattle’s current and future success. After losing Clark, Seattle needs to now hold on to home-grown talents which Reed and Wagner are.
Wagner, of course, is one of the best, if not the best, linebacker in the NFL. When the 2020 season starts, Wagner will be 30 years old. A linebacker can be productive for several years after that and Wagner is no normal linebacker. He is talented, sure, but he is also driven. He wants to be a Hall of Famer and is playing like one.
Reed came into his own in 2018 and had 10.5 sacks along with 12 tackles for loss. He didn’t make the Pro Bowl but he should have. If Reed has another season like 2018, he will command a huge new contract and would be deserving of one.
Seattle can only franchise one player and that is only if they choose to do so. Losing Wagner would be terrible. He should retire a Seahawk. But in 2019, at least, Seattle has depth at linebacker with K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks and both those players could be with Seattle beyond this coming season.
Next. 3 questions about the Seahawks in 2019. dark
The Seahawks have extremely little depth on the defensive line. Losing Reed one year after losing Clark would be a long-term problem. Maybe Seattle finds the money to sign both Wagner and Reed. But if one player is a must-extend it could be Reed. He will be 27 years old when the 2020 season starts, three years younger than Wagner. And Reed plays a greater position of need. Seattle has a decision to make. Hopefully they make a good one and extend both Wagner and Reed.