Another big-time defensive free agent is out there for the Patriots
At first, offense was the story of the 2022 NFL free agency pool. Now, after the dust has settled on the franchise tag deadline, the league’s top free agents are on defense.
In fact, the pool has deepened on that side of the ball. And it’s quite a name: former Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is now a free agent after being informed of his release, as Seattle is in the early stages of a major rebuild after trading quarterback Russell Wilson. Unlike the league’s impending free agents, Wagner doesn’t have to wait until the start of the league year on Wednesday, March 16 to sign with a new team.
Mike Giardi of the NFL Network reported Wednesday that the linebacker position “has drawn a lot of attention” in free agency for the Pats. But he specified that they’re looking at LBs “to supplement what’s currently on the roster,” meaning “not earth shakers.” This was before Wagner, an earth shaker, hit the open market.
But it sounds like Bill Belichick would have to change his plan on the fly if he wants Wagner badly enough. The Patriots have Matthew Judon locked in at outside linebacker. He tops the depth chart ahead of youngsters Chase Winovich, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Jahlani Tavai, and 2021 fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone, all of whom are 26 years old or younger. For a defense in need of speed and youth, linebacker looks like a position where the Patriots can get that internally by simply playing the kids more.
![Jeremy McNichols #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on September 19, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2022/02/Bobby-Wagner-Seahawks-Titans-2021-copy.jpg)
Jeremy McNichols #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on September 19, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
They may have to, because the Patriots appear to be in the midst of a veteran exodus at the position. They’ve already released Kyle Van Noy, while Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins are both on track for free agency.
Wagner would certainly be a departure from supplementing your current roster with depth pieces. At 31, he’d make the Patriots’ defense older rather than younger. But he’d bring an All-Pro pedigree (first team in six of the last eight years), with a prototypical build and playing style for Belichick at inside linebacker. If you’re hoping the Patriots make a short-term splash with a high-end veteran talent, Wagner seems like an ideal choice.
For now, it seems like Belichick will instead turn to a youth movement with what he already has at linebacker. But keep reading to see the other top options headed for free agency across the NFL in 2022.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].