The Washington Commanders have contingency plans in the event veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner leaves in free agency, but they would also welcome him back should he wish to rejoin them for a third year. At this point in the offseason, though, the Commanders may have to fight off a few defense-needy suitors to retain the No. 43-ranked player in Pete Prisco’s top 100 free agent rankings.
Wagner is the third-best available free agent on the market and the top unsigned linebacker over three weeks into the new league year. Even with potential breakout candidates on the roster, like third-year linebacker Jordan Magee, the Commanders would likely benefit from a reunion.
“We would never shut the door on him,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said, via ESPN. “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”
The age factor is undoubtedly part of the reason why Wagner remains without a home. He will be 36 at the start of the 2026 season and is certain to play on another short-term contract following three consecutive one-year deals.
Wagner is also not the lateral weapon he once was. His coverage skills have declined, and his best days of sideline-to-sideline production are behind him. But the reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year remains an incredible locker room presence with tremendous experience, and he is a fantastic run defender.
“He’s like the most remarkable player and leader,” Quinn said. “I wanted to make sure I said how important he was to me to come here together, like what standards could look like. And then yes, like what Adam (Peters) said to him and some others, ‘We’re going to leave the door open, and we’ll see what that looks like over the time ahead.’”
Across his stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and Commanders, Wagner has never recorded fewer than 104 tackles in a season. He has accumulated 11 All-Pro selections and is a…
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