5 early releases that could help the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could use Bobby Wagner
No sooner had the Seattle Seahawks decided to trade Russell Wilson, news also emerged regarding the release of stud linebacker Bobby Wagner. These were the last two players remaining from their Super Bowl team and signals a changing of the guard and a potential rebuild with Pete Carroll still at the helm.
To say Wagner would assist the Carolina Panthers is a massive understatement. One could argue that the All-Pro is second only to Luke Kuechly regarding the impact made over the last decade and general manager Scott Fitterer – who was director of college scouting on the Seahawks when he was drafted – will know all about the player from his time in Seattle’s front office.
Wagner’s credentials are on a trajectory for a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction when he eventually hangs up his cleats. The Utah State product is a six-time All-Pro, has eight Pro Bowl selections to his name, and was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s to further cement his status as a true great.
The Legion of Boom has officially disbanded in Seattle. Carolina should make a call to Wagner’s representatives to see what sort of money he is after and although the queue of suitors will be substantial, they have to shoot their shot.
If that’s not enough, so be it. But the Panthers simply have to try given what an immediate impression Wagner could make at the second level.