The Seattle Seahawks released Bobby Wagner yesterday and it was nothing short of surprising. Wagner has spent his entire 10-year NFL career with Seattle. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler, a six-time All-Pro, and helped Seattle win the Super Bowl in 2013. There isn’t any doubt that Bobby Wagner is one of the best linebackers in football. But should the Chicago Bears pursue him?
Lose Danny Trevathan, Sign Bobby Wagner
The Bears’ defense is still top-notch. They have plenty of defensive talent on the roster but it’s highly likely they will lose one of their key veterans. Danny Trevathan got hurt last year and the Bears placed him on season-ending IR. They replaced him with Bruce Irvin and Cassius Marsh. Between the two of them, they played a combined 10 games and recorded only one sack, which we remember all too well as the play that may have cost the Bears a victory.
Trevathan’s time in Chicago was fun. He wasn’t dominant by any means but he gave the Bears motivation and veteran leadership. His biggest issue was health. Trevathan only played a full season twice while a member of the Bears. After his final injury in 2021, many thought his time in Chicago was over.
So how do you replace a guy like that? The Bears aren’t short of talent on that side of the ball and head coach Matt Eberflus is well-known for building defenses in later rounds of the draft. But they need more than what they already have and Bobby Wagner can provide it.
Wagner’s Health and Stats
In 10 seasons with the Seahawks, Bobby Wagner only missed ten of 161 regular-season games. The veteran linebacker is durable, tough, and can lead a defense. Availability may be the best ability here. The Bears could use a linebacker like Wagner who plays tough and stays healthy.
Alongside Roquan Smith, they could be a deadly duo. Wagner never recorded fewer than 67 solo tackles and has 23.5 sacks in his career. He has 11 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries along with four total touchdowns.
This guy can play football and should be a hot commodity around the league. The Seahawks saved $18 million with Wagner’s release, so paying him accordingly may be unattractive. But the consensus is out and he has proven his value time and time again.
With NFL free agency right around the corner, the Chicago Bears should absolutely try to bring him in while he still has some life left in his game.
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CASSIUS MARSH AND BRUCE IRVIN ARE OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS, NOT INSIDE LIKE TREVATHAN