Wags to Riches: LB Bobby Wagner Signs 5-Year $50 Million Deal With Rams

We have a feeling the Rams' "film study'' revealed the obvious. Now, he is the Rams top linebacker

Matt Galatzan | Mar 31, 2022

Once the Seattle Seahawks cut Bobby Wagner, his phone surely began to ring. And now he's made his big move, agreeing on Thursday to sign a reported five-year $50 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

The deal, which could be worth up to as much as $65 million, now makes Wagner the Rams' top linebacker on an already dangerous defense.

Yes, the rich just got richer.

Yes, his phone. Because the all-time all-pro linebacker represents himself in contract negotiations, which explains the lack of media leaks regarding the plans of his free agency courtship.

The Rams were on record as saying they were studying the idea, with general manager Les Snead telling reporters earlier this month that the Rams coaching staff has plunked itself in the film room to determine his fit in L.A.

And on Thursday afternoon, it became official, with Wagner and the Rams agreeing to terms.

In truth, this was more about "finance'' than "fit.'' Wagner is a do-it-all talent, an iconic Seahawk, and a future Hall of Fame guy.

He will turn 32 in June, so that's coming. But last season, Wagner posted a career-high 170 tackles in 16 games played, also recording a sack and an interception.

"Fit''? Yeah, he fits.

"Finance''? Wagner likely remained on the market in part, logic says, due to his price tag. He is coming off a contract that was paying him $18 million APY.

Now that the price had been negotiated down, it was a no-brainer for both parties.

Oh and some revenge against his former team, and new division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, won't hurt either.

We have a feeling the Rams' "film study'' revealed the obvious.

Next step? For Bobby Wagner to go out and prove it on the field as the team's next defensive stalwart.

Published Mar 31, 2022

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com