Pete Carroll sends heartfelt message on Bobby Wagner departure

Bobby Wagner is no longer a Seattle Seahawk after 10 years with the franchise. His long-time head coach Pete Carroll addressed the situation with a heartfelt tribute to his former player.

“Bobby is one of the great Seahawks of all-time. His leadership in the community, locker room, and on the field is a tribute to his character and consistency. Bobby set an incredible example. We will continue to follow him all the way to the Hall of Fame,” Carroll said Wednesday.

Wagner is an eight-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro and made the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team. Over 10 seasons in Seattle, he made 1,383 tackles with 23.5 sacks and 68 tackles for loss. In addition, Wagner added 11 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries with four defensive touchdowns.

He will be able to sign with any team in free agency. For the Seahawks, the decision clears out $16.6 million in cap space as they begin a rebuild. He will be allowed to speak with and agree to terms with teams beginning March 14 and cannot officially sign until March 16.

Both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner joined the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 NFL Draft class and won a Super Bowl together under head coach Pete Carroll. With Wilson’s departure early Tuesday, Wagner became the final member of the championship team still with the Seahawks without a stint away.

Wilson, who was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade, allowed the Seahawks to free up even more cap space and acquire Shelby Harris, Noah Fant, Drew Lock and several draft selections over the next few seasons. With Carroll being the final piece of that championship squad remaining, Seattle is in full rebuild mode and looks for a fresh start beginning with the 2022 NFL Draft next month.

Full details have since been revealed, with Denver sending a heavy package up to Seattle to acquire Wilson. Seattle will be getting a heavy draft haul. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported two first-round, two second-round, and a fifth-round pick will be heading the Seahawks’ way. The picks will all convey in 2022 and 2023. Denver will be getting back a 2022 fourth-round pick as well.

There is a chance Wagner could be reunited with Wilson in Denver, but there are sure to be other organizations eager to acquire the veteran linebacker to their locker room next season.