Bobby Wagner returned to the Seahawks in 2023 via a one-year deal, with an understanding he wouldn’t be an every-down defender at 33 years old.
In 2023, he participated in 98.2% of Seattle’s defensive snaps. He is completely sure, without a doubt, that he wants to continue his football career somewhere in 2024.
“There’s no might,” Wagner said Wednesday, via ESPN. “I never thought anything else outside of that.”
Wagner ranks second in the NFL with 168 tackles, trailing Indianapolis’ Zaire Franklin by just two tackles. Of the top seven defenders in tackles, only former Rams teammate Ernest Jones has more sacks (4.5) than Wagner (3.5).
Wagner just received his ninth Pro Bowl selection of his career on Wednesday. He can clearly still play quite well, and is certain he’d like to continue his Hall of Fame career beyond this season.
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Wagner might not be in Seattle, where he has received high praise from Pete Carroll this season.
“His return season has been exceptional,” said Carroll, as reported by ESPN. “His leadership and the precedent he sets for other players. His actions speak louder than words; he excels in everything and his productive year, coupled with his numerous tackles, showcases his remarkable durability throughout his career. It’s a testament to his overall conditioning, development, and upkeep, which is required to achieve such feats.”
“It’s astonishing that he’s played to this extent. With over one hundred and sixty tackles, it’s truly remarkable. I believe he’s fulfilled all our expectations.”
Carroll added Seattle “would love to have” Wagner back in 2024. Wagner, meanwhile, hasn’t quite planned on sticking around, explaining he wasn’t looking at a multi-year stay when he returned to the Seahawks on his one-year, $5.5 million deal in March.
“He said, “I wasn’t thinking too far ahead. I was simply focusing on the present moment, attempting to maximize it, and leaving the rest to fate.”
To perhaps console Seahawks fans, Wagner is already familiar with the experience of leaving Seattle in search of team success in another place. He signed up with the division’s rival team, the Rams, in 2022 and unfortunately found himself part of a team with not much left to play for towards the end of the season. This marred what was supposed to be a triumphant return for the Los Angeles native.
Moving back to Seattle was a simple decision. However, based on Wagner’s ambivalent tone, it might be necessary for the Seahawks to offer a higher salary to retain him.
What is the value of a 34-year-old linebacker? Ideally, it would be around what he was paid in 2023. However, it’s important to note that not all 34-year-old linebackers are coming off Pro Bowl seasons where they rival their younger counterparts, who are six years their junior, for the highest number of tackles in the league.
Seattle finds itself in unfamiliar territory with this situation. However, those with a romantic perspective would concur: It appears as though Wagner’s career path is fated to conclude in Seattle.
