In Woodland Hills, California, the Los Angeles Rams face crucial decisions this offseason after falling short in the NFC Championship Game due to their inability to pressure quarterback Sam Darnold effectively. With linebacker Bobby Wagner entering free agency, the Rams see an ideal opportunity to bring back the veteran to strengthen their defense and address their pass-rushing issues.
Bobby Wagner’s status as a top blitzing linebacker in the NFL
According to Pro Football Focus analyst Daire Carragher, Wagner ranked as the NFL’s fourth-best blitz defender in 2025. Despite a slight decrease in his blitz rate from 9.1% to 6.8% last year, Wagner’s effectiveness on the rush improved significantly.
“Just one spot behind Witherspoon in PFF’s pass rushing grades, Wagner is still one of the most feared blitzers in the sport,”
Carragher noted.
The 35-year-old’s blitz rate dropped from 9.1% last year to 6.8% this year, but his efficiency went in the opposite direction.
“Wagner registered 20 pressures and 4.5 sacks on 77 pass-rush snaps. His 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade is the highest of his 14-year career and his sixth season with a PFF pass-rush grade above 85.0.”
“Wagner once profiled as a slightly undersized, incredibly explosive ball of muscle, but as the NFL has evolved over the course of his career, smaller linebackers have become more common. Instead of getting aged out of the league, the sport shaped itself around Wagner’s image.”
“While he has undoubtedly lost a step, Wagner remains an incredibly useful veteran piece for any NFL team. He logged his 15,000th professional snap this past year, and his seventh straight season with a snap count in the quadruple digits.”
How Wagner’s presence will reshape the Rams’ defensive strategy
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula favors a dime defense scheme, which places six defensive backs on the field alongside one linebacker and four defensive linemen. This configuration leverages the talents of players like Jaylen McCollough, whose versatility boosts the defense.
Adding Wagner into this setup allows the Rams to blitz with five defenders on passing plays, enhancing pressure without sacrificing coverage. Opposing offenses must either assign six blockers to protect the quarterback or risk facing a dangerous mismatch, giving the Rams an advantage.
This leaves the passing attack exposed to six defensive backs versus only four eligible receivers, creating scenarios ripe for turnovers. The combination of Quentin Lake and Jaylen McCollough’s blitzing ability further complicates the offense’s protection calls, while Shula can disguise coverage and pressure effectively to confuse quarterbacks.
The Rams also benefit from rotating Wagner with linebacker Nate Landman, keeping their defense fresh and adaptable. Landman and Speights bolster the team’s run defense and nickel packages, with Landman’s energetic presence likely to force turnovers when at full strength.
Potential impact of Bobby Wagner’s return on the Rams’ future
Re-signing Bobby Wagner could serve as a turning point for a Rams defense that struggled to apply consistent pressure last season. His elite pass-rushing skills and experience provide the kind of veteran leadership essential for playoff success.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, integrating Wagner’s skill set into their defensive scheme may create greater opportunities to disrupt opposing quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and improve their chances of progressing further in the playoffs. This move reflects the team’s commitment to shoring up weaknesses and adapting their defense to modern NFL demands.
