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Report: LA Rams to Sign Free Agent LB Bobby Wagner

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Steelers Bobby Wagner

The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to sign inside linebacker Bobby Wagner to a five-year contract, according to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

The Steelers had been linked to Wagner, likely the top free agent at his position this offseason, before signing Myles Jack. The Rams landing Wagner keeps him away from the AFC North, as the Baltimore Ravens were also reported to be in the running for the All-Pro.

Bobby Wagner has emerged as a candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, with the team interested in the former Seattle Seahawks linebacker, according to multiple media reports.

Wagner was released by the Seahawks on March 9 after 10 seasons with the club as the team undergoes a significant rebuild that included trading away star quarterback Russell Wilson.

A 6-foot, 242-pound Utah alum, Wagner first joined the Seahawks as a second-round pick in 2012 and quickly became one of the most consistent performers on their defense. He was an eight-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL in tackles in 2016 and 2019 and helped Seattle to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory after the 2013 season.

In his career, Wagner has 1,383 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 60 passes defended, 11 interceptions, six forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and four defensive touchdowns.

He has not showed signs of slowing down much at age 31, either. Wagner played and started in 16 games in 2021 for the third consecutive season and set a career high with 170 tackles.

In addition to being an eight-time Pro Bowler, Wagner is also a six-time All Pro first team selection. His 170 tackles last season were a career-high and third in the NFL. He previously led the league in tackles in 2016 (167) and 2019 (159). His 1,383 tackles since his debut in 2012 are more than 150 tackles more than the second highest player in that span.

The defending champion Rams have a hole at middle linebacker with Ernest Jones, Travin Howard and Christian Rozeboom currently occupying the middle. More notably, they could use another playmaker as outside linebacker Von Miller left the team to join the Buffalo Bills on a six-year, $120 million contract.