The San Francisco 49ers don’t have to look far if they plan on strengthening their linebacker room this summer, as it was suggested that the team should go after one of the star free agents of their division rivals.
Bobby Wagner is coming off a career year. And because he’ll turn 34 in June, the Seattle Seahawks will find it hard to justify tying him down to a new extension.
With Dre Greenlaw sidelined at least through the beginning of the 2024 season, it was strongly suggested that the San Francisco 49ers should consider acquiring Wagner, who is expected to test the open market during this free agency period.
“While it seems like Wagner is a guy who should retire with the Seahawks, things are uncertain now in Seattle. With a new coach in Mike McDonald, he may decide that the team needs to shake things up and get younger. Plus, he does not have any of the nostalgia for Wagner that former head coach Pete Carroll did,” wrote Nick San Miguel via FanSided.
“Plus, newly hired 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen spent many years as an assistant coach with the Seahawks, so he got to see Wagner’s greatness up close. Sorensen may want to bring back the veteran with the 49ers uncertain about Greenlaw’s status going into next season,” he added.
How will Bobby Wagner fit in with the San Francisco 49ers?
In 2023, Bobby Wagner recorded 183 combined tackles (96 solo), 11 of which were for a loss, 3.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one fumble return, which is the type of production that the San Francisco 49ers need since Dre Greenlaw is still recovering from his Achilles injury.
Joining the San Francisco 49ers certainly makes sense for Wagner since doing so will give him the best opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl, and it also helps that he will have his former teammate, KJ Wright, as his assistant linebacker coach.
However, if the San Francisco 49ers get Wagner, they may have to do some financial maneuvering because they are currently roughly $7 million over the salary cap. With Wagner likely to command more than the $7 million he made last season, San Francisco may need to release certain players to accommodate his asking price.