Bobby Wagner would help transform the Ravens defense

Baltimore Ravens fans are anxiously awaiting any news regarding free-agent linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner reportedly visited the team’s facilities in Owings Mills on Friday sparking rumors that the two sides could be closing in on a deal.

But nearly 48 hours have passed since Wagner visited with the team, and there’s been no indication that he’s any closer to making a decision.

The Ravens are evidently very interested in bringing Wagner to Baltimore, but the future Hall of Fame linebacker no doubt has his fair share of suitors.

What remains clear, however, is this. Bobby Wagner would be a massive addition to the Ravens’ defense and he would do wonders for the team.

The Ravens’ defense would benefit greatly by adding Bobby Wagner

The Ravens’ defense took a step back in 2021. Injuries took a toll on the unit as the Ravens finished with the NFL’s worst pass defense and allowed the eighth-most yards in the league.

Again, injuries to the likes of Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, and countless others certainly played a role, but it became abundantly clear that the Ravens needed to do something this offseason to fix their defense.

The addition of Marcus Williams in free agency will go a long way toward bolstering a secondary that struggled mightily last season. The hope is that the returning Michael Pierce will serve as an upgrade over the aging Brandon Williams.

However, the linebacker position hasn’t been addressed. If anything, they’ve gotten weaker there with Josh Bynes and even L.J. Fort (who missed last season due to a torn ACL) still free agents.

That’s why Wagner would change everything.

Young linebacker Patrick Queen made noticeable strides last season when paired with the veteran Bynes. Queen played some of the best football of his career when he wasn’t asked to be the leader in the middle of that defense.

Bynes was a surprise standout last season, but he’s no Bobby Wagner.

Not only would Wagner give the Ravens arguably their best linebacker since Ray Lewis, but he would aid in the development of Queen who would benefit from the decrease in responsibility.

On top of that, the Ravens had their fair share of issues with blown coverage assignments in 2021. Adding an experienced and accomplished veteran like Wagner to the defense would go a long way toward cleaning that stuff up.

The Ravens haven’t had a true force and leader in the middle of their defense since the departure of C.J. Mosley a few years ago. Wagner would provide everything Mosley did, and arguably more.

Even at 31-years-old, it’s clear that Bobby Wagner has plenty left in the tank. The Ravens must do everything they can to bring him to Baltimore.