Roster Outlook: Eagles listed among ‘best fits’ for free-agent star LB
The Eagles saw both of their starting linebackers from a season ago leave in free agency, with TJ Edwards returning home to Chicago and Kyzir White joining Jonathan Gannon in Arizona.
Entering his second year, LB Nakobe Dean is expected to slide into one of those spots; who will be starting alongside him remains to be seen. Star free-agent Bobby Wagner is still available on the open market, and according to Bleacher Report, Philadelphia could be an enticing landing spot for the six-time All-Pro.
Bobby Wagner is approaching 33 years old but is still playing at an elite level. He was PFF’s highest-graded off-ball linebacker in 2022.
The Eagles are going to be rebuilding parts of their defense on the fly. They’ve done a good job of retaining some free agents, but the gap left behind by T.J. Edwards will have to be filled. Nakobe Dean is waiting in the wings, but Wagner would be too good to pass up for the right price, as he would be an immediate plug-and-plat option that could keep them at a Super Bowl level.
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Wagner spent ten years of his storied career in Seattle before signing a five-year deal with the Rams in pursuit of his second Super Bowl title. LA, however, faltered en route to a 5-12 record, the worst record of any defending champion in league history, and the two sides mutually agreed to part ways.
Despite his age, Wagner remains one of the most productive linebackers in the game, logging a career-high six sacks while adding 140 tackles (10 for loss), two interceptions, and five passes defended in 2022. Money will undoubtedly play a factor in Wagner’s next destination, but as far as mentors for Nakobe Dean go, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better one than an All-2010s performer.
Bobby Wagner has not missed a game since the 2018 season.
Bobby Wagner picks off his former teammate!
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
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Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | Jeff Lewis
