NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that on Wednesday, the Washington Commanders agreed on a one-year contract with seasoned linebacker Bobby Wagner, potentially valued at $8.5 million.
Wagner, who is set to turn 34 by the kick-off of the 2024 NFL season, returned to the Seattle Seahawks the previous season, marking his second tenure with the team (his initial term was from 2012 to 2021); the 2022 season saw him playing for the Los Angeles Rams. In his last season, Wagner amassed a league-leading 183 combined tackles, along with 3.5 sacks, three defended passes, and a single fumble recovery.
Wagner, who has earned the title of All-Pro six times and has been selected for the Pro Bowl on nine occasions, is rejoining forces with his ex-defensive coordinator from the Seahawks, Dan Quinn (who served in 2013–14), now leading the Commanders as their head coach. Over his twelve-season tenure in the NFL, the linebacker consistently recorded over 100 combined tackles each year. Wagner isn’t the sole player with previous experience under Quinn to ink a deal with the Commanders; former defenders from the Dallas Cowboys, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler Jr., have also joined the ranks.
Washington concluded a disappointing season with a record of 4-13, finding itself at the bottom of the league due to its defense capabilities, or the lack thereof. The team permitted opponents to amass an average of 388.9 yards per game, the highest across the NFL, and allowed them to score an average of 30.5 points in each game.
The future Hall of Fame member has been selected for 10 All-Pro teams and has appeared in nine Pro Bowls, with a second-team All-Pro nod and Pro Bowl accolade coming in 2023. Despite being in his career for over a decade, he’s yet to show significant signs of decline.
Wagner stated to journalists in January that he feels he has a great team behind him that keeps him in shape and is always ready. He acknowledged having role models who’ve had lengthy careers and were generous in sharing their knowledge on enduring in the field, and he endeavors to apply their lessons. Wagner expressed feeling good about his approach.”
Although he has demonstrated impressive performance, the demand for a middle linebacker nearing the age of 34 was understandably weak. The role of the linebacker has been generally downplayed throughout the NFL, and franchises are more inclined to invest based on what they predict you will accomplish, rather than on your past achievements.
During the offseason, the Seahawks ushered in a new era within the organization by letting go of their longtime coach, Pete Carroll, and bringing in Mike MacDonald to fill the position.
In a recent move, the Commanders were successful in securing contracts with several notable athletes, including runner Austin Ekeler, pivot Tyler Biadasz, guard Jeremy Chinn, and defender Frankie Luvu, along with a selection of other players.
