No, it doesn’t look like 49ers will be able to afford Bobby Wagner

While the thought of the 49ers potentially adding perennial All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner in NFL free agency was enticing, it doesn’t appear it’ll happen.

The San Francisco 49ers would have loved to take more advantage of the Seattle Seahawks’ demise in 2022 aside from just watching what appears to be an all-out rebuild up north in the NFC West.

But adding six-time first-team All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner likely won’t be a part of that plan.

Despite some earlier speculation the Niners would be one of the teams in the hunt for Wagner’s services in the wake of his unceremonious release by the Hawks, signs are pointing to the 31 year old signing elsewhere in NFL free agency this offseason.

Simply put, he already priced himself out of San Francisco’s comfort range.

According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Wagner is seeking a deal worth $11 million this upcoming season. While surely affordable for a Hall of Fame-caliber linebacker, that’s well above what the 49ers would be prepared to spend right now without some serious roster jockeying.

Currently, according to Over the Cap, the Niners have just $1.9 million in available cap space, and they’ll also need roughly $7 million to sign their 2022 NFL Draft class this offseason.

Of course, Wagner’s market could change to the point where he’s convinced enough to sign a much cheaper deal. But for a player of his ilk, that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon.

Did 49ers botch attempt to sign Bobby Wagner by hanging onto Jimmy Garoppolo?

San Francisco could, of course, free up $25.5 million right away if it bids farewell to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who remains on the roster despite the 49ers’ efforts to trade him this offseason.

For now, at least according to statements from general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, Garoppolo will remain in place. The Niners appear to be taking the patient approach with regards to moving him.

However, this choice prevents San Francisco from using some of that freed-up cap space to further bolster the roster and support its 2021 rookie quarterback, Trey Lance, who’ll play on a significantly cheaper contract.

While Wagner wouldn’t directly assist Lance on the offensive side of the ball, he would nevertheless increase the overall potency of the 49ers defense, just as important to a would-be Super Bowl run with Lance under center.

At any rate, it’s looking more and more like the Niners will ultimately have to pass on targeting Wagner this offseason.

Hat tip to The Landry Hat for the find.