The Los Angeles Rams have been a staple in the NFL since their inception in 1936. They have had some great success over the years, winning Super Bowls in 2000 and 2019. Now, with the 2023 season rapidly approaching, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding what this team can do. With talented players like Aaron Donald, Jared Goff, and Cooper Kupp leading the way, it looks like the Rams are poised to make another deep run into the playoffs. As they prepare for this upcoming season, it will be interesting to see how they use their resources to maximize their potential and achieve success in 2023.
One year ago, Bobby Wagner experienced free agency for the first time in his NFL career. Now, Wagner is set to be a free agent again, as the Rams are releasing him prior to the start of the new league year on March 15. Wagner will have the opportunity to explore the open market as soon as possible. This is likely a salary cap-driven move by the Rams, who are currently over $14 million over the cap.
The Rams last April had signed Wagner to a five-year deal worth $50 million, with $20 million in guarantees, including $10 million at signing. Both his 2022 base salary and 2023 roster bonus of $3.5 million were fully guaranteed. Over The Cap estimated a $7.5 million dead-money hit for the Rams this year, as well as $5 million in additional cap space.In the 2022 season, Wagner started all 17 of the Rams’ games, amassing 140 tackles (10 for losses), six sacks, two interceptions and five passes defensed – a career-best.
Prior to joining the Rams, Wagner had an illustrious 10-year stint with the Seahawks, appearing in 151 games and commencing 150 of them. During his tenure in Seattle, Wagner won six first-team All-Pro honors and came out on top in Super Bowl XLVIII in the 2013 season. He also tallied 1,381 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 11 interceptions (including a pick-six), six forced fumbles, nine recoveries and one safety.