The Washington Commanders have made a significant move by signing All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million, with $6 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This signing reunites Wagner with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who previously coached him during their time together in Seattle, where they were part of the legendary "Legion of Boom" defense.
Wagner, an 11-year NFL veteran and six-time All-Pro, had an impressive 2023 season with the Seahawks, recording 130 tackles and four sacks while earning his ninth Pro Bowl selection. His name had been linked to Washington as a potential target, and his connection with Quinn played a role in making the move happen. Quinn, who has already brought in multiple free agents he has worked with before, now adds Wagner to a linebacker group that includes 2021 first-round pick Jamin Davis and newly signed Frankie Luvu. The Commanders are focused on revamping a defense that statistically ranked among the worst in the league.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573425603810
Originally drafted by Seattle in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Wagner made an immediate impact as a rookie, finishing with 140 tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, nearly winning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. He played a crucial role in the Seahawks’ dominant 2014 Super Bowl-winning defense, which shut down Peyton Manning’s high-powered Denver Broncos offense. Wagner continued his elite play throughout his tenure in Seattle, earning multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, he returned to Seattle for the 2023 season before joining Washington.
Statistically, Wagner remained a force last season, earning an elite 91.5 run defense grade (second among linebackers) and tallying 183 total tackles, the most by any linebacker at age 33. Durability has been one of his strengths throughout his career, as he has never played fewer than 11 games in a season and has recorded at least 100 tackles every year since 2015.
Washington has been highly active in free agency, signing 13 new players, which accounts for nearly a quarter of their roster. With nine picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, they could see up to 41% of their roster reshaped with new talent. So far, the Commanders’ acquisitions include notable names such as running back Austin Ekeler, center Tyler Biadasz, tight end Zach Ertz, defensive linemen Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, safety Jeremy Chinn, and quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Despite their aggressive approach to free agency, Washington still has significant financial flexibility, with $68.5 million in salary cap space before the Wagner signing. Even after accounting for an estimated $16.3 million needed to sign their rookie class, they have over $40 million available for further moves. With 58 players currently under contract and a 90-man offseason roster limit, Washington is expected to remain active as free agency continues, looking for additional upgrades to strengthen their team.
