As we get closer to the start of training camp, there is a new buzz in the air surrounding the Seattle Seahawks. Primarily because this Seahawks team reporting to camp looks way different than those in years past. Leadership, experience and expectations all seem to be absent since the departures of both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
To be quite honest, it should be exciting as a fan. A fresh start. No more drama or headlines that cause distractions over the course of what can become a very long season. While a Super Bowl isn’t on the horizon, an opportunity to build the foundation of a championship team starts now.
For Pete Carroll and John Schneider, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. When they came over to Seattle, they were tasked with building a contending roster for a franchise that hadn’t won a single Super Bowl at the time. Thus, making it more difficult for them to move off MLB Bobby Wagner, who helped this team win its first Lombardi Trophy.
Why the Seahawks had to release Bobby Wagner
Unlike Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner clarified his intentions about remaining a Seahawk. Throughout the 2021 regular season, especially towards the latter half when it became apparent the Seahawks would be missing the postseason for only the 2nd time in the last decade, Bobby Wagner stated his love and desire to continue playing for this franchise.
Unfortunately, Wagner wasn’t able to close out the season due to a knee injury suffered in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. To make matters worse, he found out about his release through social media. In a recent article in the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta discusses Wagner’s current mindset heading into the 2022 season as a Los Angeles Ram:
"But at the end of the day I have a different perspective. I think my opinion on it would have been different if I ended up somewhere else…I didn’t want to leave Seattle. But, if I was going to leave Seattle, home was the next-best thing for me and so being able to be home, like I’m at peace with the situation."
As a Seahawks fan, it is still very odd seeing Wagner dripped in yellow and blue. But, hindsight will tell us the release made logical sense for two reasons.
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.
Seahawks have a bunch of young talent
This past season, Jordyn Brooks showed glimpses of his potential. I am sure that is in large part due to learning under Wagner. But, the point is, it’s time for new flesh to take over this defense. Although Bobby would have still been a leader on this roster, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs and countless others need to step up and takeover the direction of this newly designed defense.
Cody Barton will be given his chance to prove his worth this season. If Bobby stayed, then Barton wouldn’t be presented with this opportunity. Jordyn Brooks would have to go another year without being the quarterback of this defense. The reps you get as the shot caller matter. More importantly, getting them at a younger age prepares you for all things to come in the future.
The Seattle Seahawks culture is founded on competition. That is what allowed guys like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright and countless others to make their presence in this league. They were given an opportunity and seized it.
It’s a win-win for both. Bobby Wagner gets to return to home and complete for another Lombardi trophy as a Ram. While, the Seahawks can get back to their roots of grooming a young nucleus of guys through intense competition into winners.