With Patriots executive and coaching ranks thinned a bit this offseason perhaps an all-hands-on-deck approach to team building would be welcome. Enter the man they call “Red Sleeves”.
Shortly after news of his release from the Seattle Seahawks, linebacker Bobby Wagner received a tweet from none other than Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon. While definitely playful in tone it also serves as a bit of a recruitment effort by New England’s star defender. It’s common for players to tweet at other players during free agency in hopes that they’ll feel wanted or consider making the move. We just haven’t seen much of it in New England, but then again bold moves are far from uncommon with an outsized personality and team leader like Judon.
As far as would the team be interested? Wagner, now an unrestricted free agent, has a tremendous resumé and can still play at a high level (his release was more due to his high cap number and Seattle in roster flux following the Russell Wilson trade). Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo has promised the defense would bring in more playmakers and be more explosive in 2022. Wagner is in his 30s, but absolutely is still a playmaker. And while we don’t know the entirety of the team’s plan as far as rebuilding the defense goes, one thing we do know is Bill Belichick is a big fan of Bobby Wagner.
Adding a player of Wagner’s talent wouldn’t come cheap, but it would also signify the Patriots were into winning now as opposed to rebuilding (as some have suggested foolishly). The Patriots have a number of other defensive free agents to consider as well, including Devin McCourty and linebacker Dont’a Hightower. The biggest question with Wagner will be whether he’s chasing a check, or chasing a ring? And would he consider a move to New England his best chance to get back to the big game that’s eluded him since the Patriots defeated the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49? For hat it’s worth Wagner picked off Brady that night.
One thing we know is Matthew Judon hopes so.