SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 29: Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks looks at the scoreboard after a San Francisco 49ers field goal in the second quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The San Francisco 49ers top the Seattle Seahawks 26-21. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Could Bobby Wagner’s $17.1 million cap hit for 2021 result in the Seahawks letting him go next offseason?
Few players have meant more to the Seattle Seahawks over the years than Bobby Wagner. A second-round pick out of Utah State, who could have imagined he would have turned out to be one of the best defensive players in franchise history.
With a Super Bowl and five First-Team All-Pro honors to his name, No. 54 has built himself quite the Hall-of-Fame resume. With all that being said, Wagner is turning 30 in June. While his status for 2020 is not in question, could the Seahawks potentially look to make a move with him before the ’21 campaign arrives?
Keep in mind, the Hawks just used a first-round pick on Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks, who is seen as Wagner’s potential replacement for the long haul.
Next summer, Wagner will turn 31. For 2021, he’ll have a cap hit of $17.1 million. That’s the second-highest amount on the team, with Russell Wilson accounting for $32 million against the cap.
John Schneider is no stranger to making tough decisions. And as much as Wagner is beloved by fans and the entire Emerald City, the organization would free up a little under $10 million if they decided to cut Wagner next offseason.
Highest 3-year PFF grades at LB 2017-2019
1. Bobby Wagner – 92.2
1. Luke Kuechly – 92.2
3. Lavonte David – 91.0
4. Deion Jones – 88.3 pic.twitter.com/io5LXLrHMk— PFF (@PFF) May 10, 2020
There’s no questioning how brilliant of a linebacker Wagner has been. Since arriving to Seattle in 2012, he’s posted 1,075 total tackles. The man was born to make stops on defense. Last season alone, Wagner recorded 159 tackles and added three sacks.
At the same time, the Seahawks will be in a bit of a bind next year with some of their highest-paid players. As much as it might hurt, Wagner could very well end up being one of the playmakers who will be entering his final year with Seattle this fall. Should Brooks blow up in his rookie campaign, that could only end up making Schneider’s decision easier.