The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to make significant changes to their defense this offseason, and while they may not have a ton of money to play with, one high-profile player who appears to be on their radar is linebacker Bobby Wagner.
The future Hall of Famer was released by the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the week in a cap-saving move. Now a free agent, Wagner will certainly have his fair share of suitors.
That was confirmed on Thursday when NFL insider Jordan Schultz listed the Ravens as one of 11 teams that have shown interest in the veteran linebacker since his release.
Wagner’s market is robust, but the Ravens could sure use a player like him patrolling the middle of their defense. Even at 31-years-old, Wagner is still going strong.
Bobby Wagner would be a massive upgrade for the Ravens
Originally a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Wagner is arguably the greatest linebacker of his generation. The longtime Seahawks defender has been earned first-team All-Pro honors on six occasions and been named to the Pro Bowl in eight consecutive seasons.
He isn’t young, and he won’t come cheap, but the Ravens could really use an upgrade at the linebacker position. Wagner would provide them with just that.
2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen made important strides in his second year in the league, but he still has a long way to go before he lives up to his potential and pedigree.
Notably, Queen played his best football after he was paired with veteran Josh Bynes midway through last season. Bynes took much-needed pressure off Queen and allowed the young linebacker to play more at the WILL position.
If that’s what Bynes could do for Queen’s development, imagine what Wagner would be able to accomplish.
Wagner could take on a massive leadership role in the middle of that Ravens defense and perhaps even provide shades of Ray Lewis roaming the middle of the field. Like Lewis, Wagner is an enforcer, both on and off the field.
The Ravens have plenty of competition when it comes to their potential pursuit of Wagner, but that shouldn’t deter them. This is a potentially organization-changing move that they could capitalize on.
If there is a football god, he will let Bobby Wagner sign with the Ravens.