The Rams and NFL star Bobby Wagner reached a $65 million agreement.

• Bobby Wagner, a former Seahawks star, represented himself during negotiations for a new contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
• Wagner revealed to CNBC that he had no plans to leave and intended to spend his entire career there. When it happened, he was frustrated, and the manner in which he found out made him even more upset.
• The Rams inked a five-year contract with a potential value of $65 million.

After being released by the Seattle Seahawks, NFL linebacker Bobby Wagner sought a new challenge and represented himself on the 2022 free agent market.

On Monday, Wagner, 31, signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams worth up to $65 million. The agreement includes both team- and player-based incentives that Wagner considers attainable. He characterized the deal as a mutually beneficial agreement.

Wagner disclosed the details of his new contract in an interview with CNBC on Monday night, explaining why he chose to negotiate the terms without an agent. Although he has previously opted to represent himself, Wagner admitted that this time was particularly challenging.

However, he stated that he consistently seeks to push himself beyond the football field.

Setting aside emotions

"I played at that place for a decade and they never informed me that I wouldn't be returning," Wagner tweeted on March 11.

The Seahawks released eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner, saving the team $16 million. The club, which competes in the NFC West with the Rams, is rebuilding. Additionally, they traded their Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider took responsibility for the lack of communication with Wagner.

On Monday night, Wagner expressed his irritation with the Seahawks' handling of the issue.

Wagner revealed to CNBC that he had no plans to leave and intended to spend his entire career with the team. When the situation arose, he felt frustrated, and his frustration intensified when he learned about it. Wagner took some time to process his emotions before becoming determined.

A Seahawks spokesperson responded to a request for comment on the matter by emailing CNBC, stating, "He's a fantastic player. We wish him all the best."

Since 2015, Wagner has represented himself in contract talks with the Seahawks, landing a $43 million deal in 2012 when he was drafted by the team in the second round of the NFL draft.

This time was different, however.

Wagner found the first time to be easier because he was familiar with the team, GM, and club history. This time, free agency presented a new challenge as he had to communicate with all the GMs.

The NFL Players Association maintains a database of general managers' contact information. Wagner obtained the list and used it to send out reminders via text and email, emphasizing that he represents himself and providing details on how teams can contact him for his services.

Inside the $65 million deal

Wagner examined past contracts, players' statistics, and current NFL deals for linebackers to determine his value, in addition to overcoming the stigma of age.

Wagner argued that older linebackers are not valued correctly because of their age, but he pointed out several Pro Bowl linebackers who played exceptionally beyond 31, including Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, who retired at 37. Other notable players in this category include London Fletcher of the former Rams, Sam Mills of the New Orleans Saints, who played until 38, and Derrick Brooks of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who played until 35.

Wagner stated that the belief is that one cannot play for an unlimited duration.

Wagner stated that teams, including the Ravens and Cowboys, contacted him during negotiations. However, he emphasized that teams needed to understand that sending anything less than appealing or offensive would not be acceptable.

He stated, "I was confident in my ability to manage my emotions and understand my career stage." He then mentioned, "My main goal was to obtain a favorable deal for myself."

The Rams offered that deal.

Wagner's contract is a five-year, $50 million deal that can reach $65 million if he meets certain incentives. These incentives include playing 90% of defensive snaps, the Rams making the playoffs and finishing in the top five defense, nearly $10 million in roster bonuses, and another Pro Bowl selection, according to Spotrac.

Wagner stated that incentives are attainable, but he emphasized the importance of studying a team's salary cap space to understand the team's capabilities. Some teams lack cap space and flexibility, so it is crucial to create a market that works for the team.

The Rams, who won the Super Bowl, met other criteria as well. Wagner, a native of Los Angeles, will play near home and also maintain a residence in Seattle.

Wagner stated that he had a genuine flirtation with the Cowboys. "That was a real thing. We had conversations. I admire [Cowboys defensive coordinator] Dan Quinn and hold him in high regard. However, our requirements and the amount they were willing to spend did not align. Nevertheless, there was mutual interest," he said.

"Being a part of any of the long-standing franchises, such as the Rams or Cowboys, increases notoriety, and I was fortunate enough to land on one," Wagner stated.

Wagner aims to be an NFL team president

Wagner stated that he did not want the narrative to continue that there was "animosity or negativity" towards using NFL agents. Instead, he emphasized that his decision to represent himself was for personal growth.

Wagner stated that he was able to establish more connections with NFL team executives and gain a deeper understanding of the football industry in order to position himself as a potential future team president.

If Wagner becomes a team president in the NFL, he would be among the select few Black individuals to hold such a position.

In 2020, the NFL appointed its first Black team president, Jason Wright, to the Washington Commanders. In February 2022, the Ravens hired the second Black team president, Sashi Brown. However, the NBA has decreased from a league-high seven Black team CEOs in 2007 to only three currently. Additionally, MLB lost its first Black chief executive, Derek Jeter, after he resigned as CEO of the Miami Marlins.

While most players typically transition into coaching or the media following their careers, Wagner has different aspirations.

Wagner stated, "That's the box people assign us to, and I'm not saying it's wrong, but it's the box we're placed in. We're restricted from being a president or CEO, and it's like, 'Why can't I if I comprehend the business?'"

Players become trapped in their own bubble, which limits their perspective of the world. Regardless of how long they play, they become so engrossed in their team that they fail to realize the diversity of experiences outside of football.

Wagner believes that understanding the business and the locker room dynamics makes him more valuable.