We are in the final stages of NFL free agency. And while front offices don’t feel this way, for NFL writers across the league it seems there are no bad ideas.
Among the ideas being floated to which the San Francisco 49ers are tied is the notion that San Francisco may make an attempt to add former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner. One Seahawks expert weighed in on that possibility.
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Lee Vowel of 12th Man Rising discussed the possibility that former Seahawks star Bobby Wagner might reunite with fellow linebacker KJ Wright in San Francisco. Here’s what Vowel had to say.
“Seahawks fans got used to watching an elite defense for most of the 2010s, and that was buoyed by an inside linebacker duo in (Bobby) Wagner and (KJ) Wright that ranks among the best in the history of the NFL. Seeing them work together for the 49ers would be well short of what people would call “fun.”
Of course, Wagner, after Seattle chose to release him due to his exceedingly high cap hit in the 2022 season, has played for another division rival before. He joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and played one year there before returning to the Seahawks for a season.
In the last two years, Wagner has played for the Washington Commanders and former Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. As Arthur points out, Wagner isn’t the player he was even five seasons ago, but he is still an elite tackler and the same against the run, and he would help the 49ers win games.”
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball against Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The belief that Wagner is not the player he once was in Seattle is not that far-fetched. At his peak, Wagner was perhaps the best linebacker in the National Football League. He was the player that you don’t let leave your franchise. But Wagner is no longer a Seahawk and signing him to San Francisco is not the slam dunk it may once have been considered.
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Despite those realizations, Wagner does add value as a player in 2026. His veteran presence and expert savvy make him a valuable player both on and off the field. The mentorship that he would provide 49ers linebackers alone might make the addition worth it.
The 49ers may not be done adding players with star edge rusher Joey Bosa commanding attention as a potential addition this offseason. Perhaps would should not count Wagner out as a player that could put on a Niners helmet in 2026.