After Bobby Wagner was released by the Seahawks, he was immediately linked to the Rams as a potential target. He wanted to stay in the NFC West, he’s from Los Angeles and the Rams could use help at inside linebacker.
They wound up landing him with a five-year, $50 million contract, and that wasn’t even the best he was offered. The Ravens made him a better offer: $18 million fully guaranteed in the first two years. The Rams gave Wagner $17.5 million in the first two years, plus the chance to earn $6 million in incentives.
Those incentives and the opportunity to play at home in Los Angeles was a big draw for Wagner, so he turned down the Ravens’ higher offer and signed with the Rams.
One more note: The #Ravens offered Bobby Wagner a deal paying him $18M over 2, more than the #Rams $17.5M over 2. But LA offered higher incentives and he wanted to stay home in LA, anyway (though the #Ravens impressed him). So Wagner chose the Rams. https://t.co/3XSa1sIjVs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2022
While speaking with the media for the first time on Monday, Wagner described how nice it will be to play in front of his family regularly while with the Rams, something he wasn’t able to do in Seattle.
Wagner hasn’t had family in attendance consistently since high school. He attended Utah State and was drafted by the Seahawks, spending the last decade-plus away from home.
Bobby Wagner: "I haven't been able to play consistently in front of my family since high school. They always had to get on a plane. Now it's a drive. I'm excited to be in front of my family, be closer to home and reestablish myself."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) April 4, 2022