Pittsburgh Steelers fans, a big-name defender has just the free agent market. With the abundance of needs on the team, it’s reasonable for fans to dream about each big-time player on the market. Some players won’t have any interest in Pittsburgh or vice versa, while there will be legitimate interest in other scenarios. Linebacker Bobby Wagner was a name that was thrown around by fans last offseason.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
That interest actually came to fruition, but the money ended up not being enough. The Los Angeles Rams signed him to a five-year, $50 million deal, a bit of a surprise given that he was 31 years old at the time. In a move that’s just as surprising, the two sides moved on from each other on Thursday after just one season together. Now, he’s back on the market. Due to the fact that he already got a decent amount of money, he will likely be truly looking to head to a contender.
A league source just told me the #Steelers are also interested in Bobby Wagner. Add another AFC team with $30M in cap to the list of potential suitors.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2022
Do the Steelers fit that billing? Probably not, but that’s up for debate. After the interest last offseason and the Steelers’ continued need at the middle linebacker position, it wouldn’t come as a shock if the two sides conversed in the coming months. There are probably more appealing Super Bowl contenders out there, but the Steelers do have a few selling points. The historic franchise will always appeal to some players, along with a head coach in Mike Tomlin that is beloved by everyone.
Beyond that, they still have potential to have one of the best defenses in football. TJ Watt was the NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year just one season ago. Minkah Fitzpatrick is arguably the best safety in all of football. Despite being 33 years old, Cam Heyward remains one of the best defensive linemen in the league. The pieces are there for the black and gold to reach the postseason once again, led by the talented defense.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captains, TJ Watt (#90) and Cam Heyward (#97) participate during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In 2022, while his name wasn't in the spotlight as much, Wagner showed no signs of slowing down. He was snubbed from making his ninth Pro Bowl, but he did make the All-Pro Second Team. Pro Football Focus had him as the best linebacker in all of football once again by a landslide, as he had an overall grade of 90.7. In 17 games, he racked up 140 tackles, two interceptions, 10 tackles for loss, and a career-high six sacks. Per usual, Wagner was useful in every facet, particularly in stopping the run.
The Rams had a quick downfall after winning the Super Bowl in 2021, and they don’t look to be contenders in 2023 either. This move, from both sides’ point of view, illustrates and suggests just that. The team went 5-12, quite the disappointing year considering all of the stars they have. Before 2022, Wagner spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. In that span, he was elected to seven Pro Bowls and made six All-Pro squads in his tenure there.
Now, the Steelers' potential interest in Wagner depends a lot on Myles Jack. Jack was signed to a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason, but general manager Omar Khan could move on from the linebacker in the next few months. That’s particularly realistic due to the minimal amount of cap space the team has. Now, something to consider is the fact that Wagner is five years older than Jack. While he's way better at the moment, the eight-time Pro Bowler is getting up there in age.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Perhaps something else that will go under the radar is the fact that this move signifies the Rams are looking to get younger. That means moving on from some veterans, specifically the ones that make a lot of money. Wagner's departure could increase the likelihood that the Rams are willing to listen to offers on cornerback Jalen Ramsey. It's unknown how much Khan and the front office may be interested in the star corner, or linebacker in Wagner, but Ramsey could be another legitimate option now.
Steelers Have Special Connection With Wagner
On Wednesday the Steelers officially announced the hiring of Wagner's former coach Aaron Curry. Curry joined the Seahawks in 2019 as a defensive assistant and was promoted to a defensive assistant/linebackers coach the following season. Wagner spent three seasons with Curry in Seattle before he left for the Rams last season. Curry and Wagner never played together in Seattle as Curry was jettison during the same offseason Wagner was drafted.
Should the Steelers pursue Wagner? If the team holds onto Jack, should they still go after the legendary LB? What is the most that you would pay the eight-time Pro Bowler? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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