NFL rumors: Seahawks reunion with fan favorite on the table

The Seahawks made the playoffs in year 1 after the Russell Wilson trade and that success might help initiate a reunion with a fan-favorite in Seattle.

Make no mistake, the top priority for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 offseason is keeping Geno Smith in the building. The veteran quarterback took over the starting job in the wake of last year’s Russell Wilson trade and led the team to a surprising playoff berth after a breakout campaign.

So that the team is looking to keep Smith, whether by way of a long-term deal or on the franchise tag, seems obvious. However, finding an unexpected answer at quarterback also puts Seattle in a position to be more aggressive with their offseason moves.

And that could mean a possible reunion with longtime Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner.

NFL Rumors: Bobby Wagner could return to Seahawks

Wagner, who was cut by Seattle last offseason with what was perceived to be a potential rebuild after the Wilson trade, signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Rams. Now that Los Angeles is having to rework its roster, though, reports indicate Wagner will be cut this offseason.

Enter the Seahawks.

Gregg Bell of The News Tribune reported on Wednesday that scouts at the NFL Combine believe the Seahawks could be quite interested in bringing the All-Pro linebacker back to Seattle. He wouldn’t be the top priority — as mentioned, that’s Smith — and there are details to work around, but it’s in the cards.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider were asked about Wagner at the Combine and avoided tampering by not talking about the possibility, only about the love and respect they have for the linebacker. So there was no indication there.

With that being said, the Seahawks have a need to make aggressive defensive improvements on the roster if they believe Smith can lead them to being a playoff team yet again. Wagner, though nearing his mid-30s, is still one of the best at his position in the league and would certainly qualify as a tremendous upgrade.