Wagner: I don't think Seahawks release 'had to be that difficult'

New Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner is still frustrated with the way the Seattle Seahawks mishandled his release last month.

"I think after 10 years, I think it's just simple communication," Wagner said at a press conference Monday, according to The Associated Press' Greg Beacham.

"I don't think it had to be that difficult. I watched their interview ... and I'm grateful, but when they said it was because I represented myself, I feel like that was weak.

"I shouldn't have had to find out the way I found out. But it is what it is, and I ended up in a great place. I just think that after 10 years, it could have been a simple conversation."

After Wagner's release, Seattle general manager John Schneider said, "When you do have an agent, there's a certain buffer that goes on there," according to The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar.

Seattle cut Wagner after he earned his eighth Pro Bowl nod during the 2021 campaign, and the 31-year-old left the franchise as its all-time leader in tackles (1,383). Los Angeles signed the six-time All-Pro to a five-year, $50-million contract on March 31.

While Wagner denied that facing his former team was part of his motivation, he does relish the opportunity to play the Seahawks twice next season.

"A lot of people think that it went into my decision, being able to play the Seahawks," he said, according to Beacham. "I don't have that much hate in my heart. I really wanted to be happy and wanted to be close to home and stay on the West Coast. That was important to me.

"But playing the Seahawks twice a year was the cherry on top. I'll make sure they see me every time we play. They'll know where I'm at, and I'll make sure I'll tell them. It won't be a quiet game for me."

Wagner's departure was another loss to Seattle's roster following a blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.

Meanwhile, Wagner spurned a contract offer from the Baltimore Ravens, among other suitors, to play in his hometown. He joins wide receiver Allen Robinson as one of the Rams' notable free-agency additions.

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