Tuesday a report came out from CBS Sports's' Jason La Canfora stating the the expectation was the Bobby Wagner's contract negotiations would move along much quicker than the current stalemate with QB Russell Wilson. The report also stated that Wagner was asking for $10 million a year.This would make Wagner the highest paid LB above Clay Matthews. This number is the norm for a LB of Wagner's level, and La Canfora says Seattle values Wagner around this number. Wagner has been exceptional at his position since his first camp as a rookie, where veteran Michael Robinson labeled him “Mini Patrick Willis”.
One thing that will be different with Wagner’s negotiation is that he’ll set the market for other LB’s with similar talent level, like Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers. That’s similar to what Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas did with their extensions, only to have their numbers exceeded soon after. Wagner expressed interest in the past to get a deal done soon when he told Jayson Jenks of The Seattle Times, “I’ve heard nothing so until I get something to sign then I haven’t heard nothing,” It now appears Wagner has heard something.
Wagner, 24, is entering the final year of his four-year, $4.3 million rookie contract that included a base salary around $990,000. He appeared in 11 games last season, recording 104 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 pass break ups. Pro Football Focus had Wagner rated as the number 5 ILB out the 60 players that qualified. Wagner has yet to play a full season in Seattle due to injury, suffering from turf toe this past year.
Bobby Wagner is one the best LB’s in the NFL, and with the La Canfora report it is very obvious that they realize that. Expect more news to follow soon.