So the author credits his huge, league leading, tackle number to the defense being on the field more but doesn't give the same consideration for more missed tackles. Yeah, if he's on the field that much more, there are bound to be more missed tackles, especially when you add the fatigue factor for more defensive snaps, which he plays all.
Then he adds his subjective opinion that bobby has lost a step based on one fucking play. Oh, no, he missed a play. He must be getting old and slowing down. Even if that were the case, I'd take 95% bobby over most linebackers in the league. Maybe, get him on a team with a real dline that isn't on the field most the game and see how that works out. What was that, Von?
From the article
"Such plays have become more frequent in Wagner's game, particularly in coverage, and as he continues to age, athletic deficiencies will inevitably become a greater hindrance to his game. For that reason alone, the Seahawks may explore restructuring his contract or trying to find a trade partner to minimize costs. If another team acquired him prior to June 1, the team would save more than $16 million with the remainder of his contract being non-guaranteed and incur just a $3.75 dead cap hit.
With that said, Wagner's incredible football IQ and stellar tackling technique should allow him to age more gracefully than most linebackers. His leadership presence in Seattle's locker room also cannot be understated, as trying to replace him in that capacity would be extremely difficult. Add in the fact other teams likely won't be willing to give up more than a third-round pick for him at this stage of his career, and the money saved doesn't justify making such a bold move."
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He's not basing the lost step on one play. It happens to all great players. They all slow down with age. He does say he will age more gracefully. I can him see losing some weight to try and gain some quickness back. He is also looking at the cap hit of $16M and Wagner's future with the Hags.
I usually think in this situation that a player like Wagner still has good value to a team for a couple of more years. I think the cost would outweigh the benefits of the Rams signing him. It will be interesting to see what he gets paid as a free agent. It's hard to guess but, a two-year deal of around $20M might be a start. He is rated two spots behind Darius Williams as the #19 free agent by CBS sports.
Pete Prisco ranks the top 100 players who could be available on the free agent market
www.cbssports.com
The Rams have Earnest Jones taking Reeder's snaps. Jones is looking like a steal in round three of last year's draft. The other ILB spot is open but, the Rams will probably look for a much less expensive player as they don't keep him on the field on all three downs. The Rams need to find a way to resign Von Miller which will cost a lot of cap space.
Wagner got injured on the first play against the Lions in week 16 and missed the week 17 game. Looks like he will be fine.
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Wagner is
currently recovering from MCL and PCL sprains of his knee, but he didn't require offseason surgery and should be 100 percent well in advance of training camp.