The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy this offseason, adding many players to their roster. They’re loading up their roster in hopes of competing for a Super Bowl. However, Omar Khan has shown that he’s not afraid to make moves deep into the offseason. Perhaps the Steelers could continue adding to their roster. If they do, former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex thinks free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner would be a good fit in Pittsburgh.
“I think Bobby Wagner could come in right now and add to that inside linebacking crew, especially if [Patrick] Queen and Payton Wilson are struggling to start the year,” Essex said Tuesday on his Snap Count podcast. “I don’t think Wagner, especially if he wants to play, will be available that long into training camp. Because I think, without a doubt, there’s gonna be an inside linebacker that gets hurt…
“He’s still been very productive… Bobby Wagner is definitely a name that, I think, the Steelers might want to kick the tires on him if we’re not seeing what we want to see from that linebacking crew.”
Wagner was a second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, and he’s built an incredible career. He’s a six-time First-team All-Pro, five-time Second-team All-Pro, and he’s made the Pro Bowl 10 times. He’s one of the most accomplished linebackers ever, and Essex is correct that Wagner will easily walk into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.
However, Wagner will also be 36 years old this season. He isn’t the same player that he once was. Wagner has remained productive in his 30s, including an All-Pro season in 2024. While he was alright last year, recording two interceptions, 4.5 sacks, and 162 total tackles, Wagner seemed like he was starting to slow down.
Wagner wouldn’t help the idea that the Steelers’ defense is too old to be successful, too. Queen and Wilson are both relatively young, still being 26. It’s hard to justify Wagner taking a ton of time away from either of them.
Still, there are some connections between Wagner and the Steelers. There were reports that they were interested in signing him in 2022. While Pittsburgh’s coaching staff has changed a lot since then, that doesn’t rule out Wagner joining the team. In fact, it creates more connections between them.
Steelers assistant head coach and secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. was Wagner’s defensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders for the last two seasons. Steelers defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Jason Simmons also coached with the Commanders for the past two years. Perhaps he and Whitt could help convince Wagner to come to Pittsburgh.
That’s if he wants to keep playing, too. Wagner doesn’t have anything left to prove. He could retire and call it a career. If he doesn’t, though, maybe the Steelers could consider giving him a call. Depending on what role he’s willing to take and how much money he wants, Wagner could be a fine addition.
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