23 February 2023 , 23:14
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The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly releasing superstar linebacker Bobby Wagner after just one season with the team. The news comes after a campaign in which he performed as one of the better players in the entire league.
Wagner only joined the Rams last off-season, when he signed a five-year, $50 million deal to join his hometown team.
This comes after his surprise release from division rivals Seattle Seahawks, after the team chose to rebuild their roster when they moved on from quarterback Russell Wilson.
The linebacker decided to join his hometown team LA Rams, in a move which many predicted would help take the team back to the Super Bowl after winning it in 2021.
But the season was an unmitigated disaster for the Rams, with quarterback Matthew Stafford struggling with injuries and poor play, while they lost other key players to injuries.
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Despite all this though, Wagner played at an elite level as he looked back at his best, playing as well as anyone in the entire league - being named on the All-Pro and Pro-Bowl teams as being the highest graded linebacker in the league by PFF.
But the Rams have chosen to move on from him, according to ESPN's NFL reporter Adam Schefter, as they look to be in a tough spot with their salary cap situation, needing to free up money to make roster moves to key areas of their team.
Bobby Wagner will be a sought-after free agent (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Wagner will immediately become one of the most sought-after players in free agency, and could bring a huge boost to a number of Super Bowl calibre teams.
Some have already mentioned the Cincinnati Bengals as a potential landing spot, who are set to lose both of their inside linebackers this off-season and could sign Wagner to help their ascending defence.
Unlike the rest of the free agents though, Wagner will be able to sign with a team whenever he wants, and not having to wait until March 15.
That's because he is being released from his deal, rather than it expiring. All other free agents will be able to speak to teams on March 13 before officially signing two days later.