[Flash]

Found this:

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles ... oc=right_h

Bobby Wagner contract: Smoke and mirrors of Los Angeles Rams’ big-ticket addition
Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 4/5/22
The Bobby Wagner contract news last week was a notable splash in the free-agent market for the defending champion Los Angeles Rams. Despite having limitations on the money they could spend after winning Super Bowl LVI, the team was able to make a major move in the mercenary market. However, the $50 million deal they gave the former Seattle Seahawks star is another classic example of an NFL contract based around early guarantees and no long-term promises.

The Seattle Seahawks’ decision to cut their eight-time Pro Bowler was a surprising turn of events in 2022 NFL free agent. All of a sudden a six-time All-Pro, still in their prime, was on the market and available to the highest bidder. Few expected Wagner to stay on that way for long, and eventually, his free-agent run ended on March 31. However, the Rams being the team to win the race was a bit surprising.

The Los Angeles Rams mortgaged a great deal of salary cap space and future draft picks to earn the franchise’s second title in February and keep much of its core together and happy. Which should have made it very difficult for them to add a player the level of Wagner. Yet they gave the 31-year-old star a five-year deal worth upwards of $50 million. A stunning number when you consider they just gave quarterback Matthew Stafford an extension and are working on another with superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Which is sure to be historic for the position.

Smoke and mirror details of Bobby Wagner contract
However, the Bobby Wagner contract follows the tradition of big contracts dealt out in the past and even during this year’s free agency period (see: Miller, Von). The deal is built around paying big bucks to win now but making no promises after the first two years.

On Monday, NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport reported the details of pact between Wagner and the Rams. While the contract can last as long as five years and reach as high as $50 million, the deal essentially is a two-year deal worth $17.5 million when it comes to guarantees. And there are incentives that could see Wagner earn up to $23.5 million over that time as well.

Wagner will earn $6.5 million as a base salary in the first year, with $10 million guaranteed in total. NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo confirmed a $3.5 million roster bonus next spring is the money that will bring his first-year salary up to $10 million.

After that season-one money and another close to $8 million he will likely get in year two, the Rams aren’t on the hook for any more guaranteed money to their big-ticket free-agent addition. Which gives them a two-year window to max out on the dastardly combo Donald and Wagner should be for NFC West offenses over the next two years.

[ziggy]

Some details about Ravens offer to Wagz. So, true to his word, he did favor winning (and staying closer to home) to a slightly bigger paycheck. Mad props and happy to have him join the SB champs.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agen ... pion-rams/

[PARAM]

Yeah, he ain't no Von Miller!!!

Seriously, I think he'll be every bit the locker room leader Miller was rumored to be, if not more. But more importantly, he'll be a hammer in the middle of our defense. And I'm sure he will be used to blitz on occasion, along with Jones. I actually believe with the subtraction of Miller and the addition of Wagner, the defense will be better.

[CRamsFly]

Yeah, he ain't no Von Miller!!!

Seriously, I think he'll be every bit the locker room leader Miller was rumored to be, if not more. But more importantly, he'll be a hammer in the middle of our defense. And I'm sure he will be used to blitz on occasion, along with Jones. I actually believe with the subtraction of Miller and the addition of Wagner, the defense will be better.

Our defense should be better in run defense and pass coverage but worse in pass rush. Perhaps about even in pass defense?

In the end it’s about the dollars - $20 mil per year for Miller or $10 mil per year for Wagner. In that case I’ll take Wagner.

[69RamFan]

Our defense should be better in run defense and pass coverage but worse in pass rush. Perhaps about even in pass defense?

In the end it’s about the dollars - $20 mil per year for Miller or $10 mil per year for Wagner. In that case I’ll take Wagner.

Actually I don't see it being worse in the pass rush either.

Here is my reasoning,

First BW can stop the run, and go sideline to sideline.

Second, he can go out in coverage.

Now as far as the pass rush,

Hollins was doing great until he got injured,

I feel he'll be back to form this season.

Then to add Lewis and Garrett in the rotation.

Now on passing downs,

Our DC, can implement on rushing five with BW in the middle of the five,

So it would be one on one match ups and AD would love that.

[CRamsFly]

Actually I don't see it being worse in the pass rush either.

Wait, is your position that Hollins/Lewis equals Von Miller in pass rush?

If your point is that our pass coverage is better so it will give our pass rushers more time to get to the QB, I can buy that, but I would count that as a coverage sack (better pass coverage) and not better pass rush.

One additional point to consider is that I expect BW to be the signal caller, which should be better than Reeder, and that could help the entire defense be better (less mistakes) and also help with development of Ernest Jones. So overall, maybe the Rams defense will be slightly better? Also, we can't rule out the Rams signing Clowney or Ingram after the draft (or sign Stephon Gilmore).

[69RamFan]

Wait, is your position that Hollins/Lewis equals Von Miller in pass rush?

If your point is that our pass coverage is better so it will give our pass rushers more time to get to the QB, I can buy that, but I would count that as a coverage sack (better pass coverage) and not better pass rush.

One additional point to consider is that I expect BW to be the signal caller, which should be better than Reeder, and that could help the entire defense be better (less mistakes) and also help with development of Ernest Jones. So overall, maybe the Rams defense will be slightly better? Also, we can't rule out the Rams signing Clowney or Ingram after the draft (or sign Stephon Gilmore).

No I'm not saying that any of those OLB I've listed are better than Von Miller,

What I'm saying with bringing in BW, the defense will be better as a whole.

What I'm saying, is having those three I've listed,

I see a better fit with the addition of BW,

Than having VM with Reeder.

BW will plug up those holes when the opponents try to run on us.

It will cause more three and out,

more 3rd and long, in which our DL/Edge rusher can take advantage of that.

Packages, to where we rush five or blitz, on third and long....

Would I like another proven Vet Edge rusher, or another Vet cover CB? yes.

[actionjack]

BW will def help the defense particularly teams with run heavy schemes, but we still need help at Edge and CB. I expect that to come at some point via FA or trades.

[Elvis]

[Hacksaw]

Being a fan of linebacker play, I was so excited to hear of the Wagner signing.
Below is 1 list of the top 15 greatest Rams LB's of all time. Not sure I agree with where Jim Youngblood is ranked and of course Jack Reynolds would be my #1 but, some solid names there. And quite a few are missing imo.

https://ramblinfan.com/2022/05/24/la-ra ... kers-time/