"Borderline disrespectful" - Richard Sherman blasts Seahawks GM for trying to derail Bobby Wagner's homecoming
All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner will return to the Seattle Seahawks after spending a year with the Los Angeles Rams. It will be a homecoming for a leader that was part of the Rams' only Super Bowl victory in 2022.
However, former teammate Richard Sherman criticized how Seahawks general manager John Schneider almost fumbled the deal.
In a recent appearance on Seattle's 93.3 KJR, Sherman said:
“I mean, just lowballing a guy. There’s a difference between lowballing and being disrespectful, and they got borderline disrespectful. Thankfully, Bobby really wanted to be with the Seahawks, and he really wanted to come back home. Because other people offered him more money.”
“I think it’s good for the city. I think it’s good for the team. It’s a win-win-win-win-win-win all around.”
Wagner joined the Los Angeles Rams last season after being released by the Seahawks on a mutual agreement. The Utah State alumnus had a legitimate chance to win his second Super Bowl, given that the Rams were the defending champions. Likewise, he joined a defensive unit with fellow All-Pros Jalen Ramsey and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Richard Sherman on @933KJR today talked about Bobby Wagner's fit with the Seahawks. Said Bobby brings consistency, leadership & a difference maker in the middle of the defense
Also said Seattle initially lowballed Bobby to the point it was borderline disrespectful. https://t.co/f9aC3IEY6n
While Wagner signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, injuries and poor offensive play led them to a 5-12 record for the season. He was subsequently released after one season and will now return to the team that first gave him an opportunity.
Sherman is confident that Wagner will still be a high-value contributor for a Seahawks team that was arguably incohesive on defense. He added,
“I think it’s going to be great. I think he gives them an identity. He gives them obvious leadership. Consistency. An All-Pro player, still. An All-Pro caliber player. They needed somebody in the middle of that defense, which they’ve had for the last decade.” Without him for a year, people saw the difference. There were a lot of explosive plays. There was a lot of miscommunication.”
“They seemed lost out there at times. Then you still had (Quandre) Diggs out there making plays. Tariq (Woolen) had a fantastic year. Mike Jack had a really good year. They had some pass rushers come on. Bruce Irvin came on late."
"But you never felt they had an obvious direction, and I think Bobby gives them that. He gives them stability. Honestly, he makes them relevant to a lot of people. He gives them relevance.”
The Seahawks ranked 26th in total yards allowed last season (361.7 per game). They were also 30th in rushing yards allowed at 150.2 per game. Despite those concerns, Seattle made it to the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Unfortunately, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round, 41-23.
Bobby Wagner 2023 Contract: How much will LB earn in Seahawks’ return?
For the 2023 season, Bobby Wagner and the Seahawks agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. That includes a $3.23 million base salary, a $1.25 million signing bonus, and a $1.02 million roster bonus. That contract elevates his career earnings to an estimated $54.6 million.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Wagner in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft (47th overall). He is a six-time First Team All-Pro and a three-time Second Team All-Pro member. The California native also has eight Pro Bowl selections and has twice led the league in tackles. He is a member of the 2010s NFL All-Decade Team and the 2012 Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
Meanwhile, Richard Sherman is also a stalwart of the “Legion of Boom” defense that carried the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. He is a three-time First Team All-Pro and two-time Second Team All-Pro member. The Stanford alumnus has five Pro Bowl selections and led the league in interceptions in 2013. Aside from the Seahawks, he played for the 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.