Seattle Seahawks: Why they had to release Bobby Wagner

Seahawks cap purposes

This is the main reason why this move was made. Releasing Wagner saved Seattle about $16 million in cap space. Personally, I would have liked to see Bobby retire as a Seahawk. Although he is getting older, Wagner still produces at a high level. If he didn’t miss the last two games of the season, he would have again finished top 5 in tackles. He set the franchise record for most tackles in a single game back in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.

Nonetheless, with no Russell Wilson and a quarterback competition between Drew Lock and Geno Smith, it’s smart for the front office to be thinking long-term. Keeping Bobby Wagner on the roster can be considered a cap casualty given the direction of this franchise.

Granted, some may be questioning the front office’s decisions as it pertains to money given the fact that the Seahawks have invested heavily in the safety position. But, that serves as another indicator of why releasing Wagner makes sense.

When building back another championship contender, you need as much money as possible. In 2012, the Seahawks were able to acquire veterans via free agency and trades because Russell Wilson was on a rookie contract. The Los Angeles Chargers are in the midst of taking advantage of that exact situation. They were able to spend big money in free agency, signing CB J.C. Jackson and DT Sebastian Joseph-Day while also making a splash with a trade that landed them LB Khalil Mack.

The Seahawks are aiming to head in that same direction. This lends to the second reason as to why this move had to be made.