The Los Angeles Rams made an unexpected move that many did not see coming. After a subpar season, the franchise’s fans were already disheartened. While their Super Bowl LVI win set expectations sky-high, the team was unable to find success this time around. To add to it, this latest update had their fanbase in the throes of despair.
After a season of being struck by injuries, the Rams will be hoping to rebuild their foundation for the upcoming season. But their plans don’t include Bobby Wagner. The LB, who was a key figure in the Rams‘ defense, was released from the franchise. The fifty-million, five-year deal that was signed last year, was a hopeful indicator of his future with the team. Unfortunately, he will now be on the lookout for a potential landing spot.
Bobby Wagner will be in demand
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Bobby Wagner’s entry into the Rams was a full-circle moment. In 2012, the team was hoping to draft the LB but traded down five spots to get a fifth-round selection. When the LB was acquired a decade later, the future looked good. Unfortunately, their partnership did not last.
Rams releasing LB Bobby Wagner. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/Cuy1nPs5ex
— NFL (@NFL) February 23, 2023
Fans were encountered by this unforeseen circumstance. According to reports, the primary reasoning behind this move was to save salary cap space. With the LB’s release, the franchise will save $5 million. If Wager was to remain on the Rams’ roster until the fifth day of next season, he would’ve been guaranteed his base salary ($7.5 million) alongside a roster bonus ($2.5 million) due in 2024.
Read More: Rams Star Bobby Wagner Compares His Faceoff With Aaron Rodgers To A 1,500 Year Old Game
According to reports, the separation was mutual. As the LB heads into free agency, he’ll undoubtedly have a line of suitors waiting. Here’s how fans made their petitions for the LB to join their favorite teams.
Fans chased Wagner’s attention
The NFL world did not wait for a second to launch requests for Bobby Wagner to come aboard different franchises. While Rams fans moped at the loss of a major defensive weapon, the rest of the NFL world volleyed back and forth, calling out the potential direction in which the LB is headed. This fan exclaimed
Pay the man what he's worth! Sign him.
— Robert Drummond (@PARobert) February 23, 2023
Other users screamed for the LB to go back to his former team
Come home to Seattle
— 1of1🏅 (@saksfifthqua) February 23, 2023
SEAHAWKS SIGN HIM BACK PLSS @Seahawks
— LxckTV (@LxckTV) February 23, 2023
Seattle time
— Thudbuttt (@_Thudbuttt_) February 23, 2023
Some fans vouched for their favorite teams
eagle
— b (@ZachPascaI) February 23, 2023
Cowboy
— Alex (@DakHOF) February 23, 2023
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BRONCO
— h💥. (@ihybrandon) February 23, 2023
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As news of the LB’s release broke, one story of Wagner’s generosity came to light, making his departure all the more painful. The LB will now head into free agency in hopes of being drafted by a team where he can make his mark. Where do you think Wagner is headed? Let us know in the comments!
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