Report: Seattle Seahawks release last remaining player from Super Bowl team
Hours after trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks made another big roster decision which officially brings one of the most successful era in team history to a close. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks informed veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner that they will release him.
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.
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.
The Seahawks retain rotation linebacker Benson Mayowa as the last remaining member of that 2013 squad, but he spent time with other teams between then and now.
Full details of Seahawks trade
Full details have begun to be 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 reports 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.
First among the players, fellow quarterback Drew Lock will be involved, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Lock was a second-round draft pick for the Broncos back in 2019 and was started in 21 games. Denver only won eight of those and realized he was no longer going to be their franchise quarterback. Now, Lock will head to Seattle entering the final season of his rookie contract.
Another quality player will be heading to Seattle in defensive lineman Shelby Harris. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harris was considered a “locker-room leader” for Denver. Harris had been with the Broncos since 2017, playing in 75 games while recording 203 tackles, 34 tackles for a loss, 25 passes defended, and 44 quarterback hits.
After originally being drafted by the then Oakland Raiders, Harris will be moving to the NFC for the first time in his career.
Tight end Noah Fant is on the move as well, adding to the offensive compensation Seattle will be getting back, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Fant is viewed as one of the best young players at his positions, having 1,905 yards throughout his three-season after being drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft.