Bobby Wagner proved there is life left in his storied career last season. One NFL analyst tipped the veteran linebacker to spearhead another bold Super Bowl tilt for the Washington Commanders in 2025.
Wagner signed a one-year deal last spring to reunite with head coach Dan Quinn. He was tasked with keeping up his outstanding on-field production and leading a locker room culture shift behind the scenes. He accomplished both feats with aplomb, earning second-team All-Pro honors as the Commanders reached the NFC Championship game.
Those in power rewarded Wagner accordingly. The former second-round pick received another one-year, $9 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed. And considering he represented himself, he'll get to keep every cent.
This was the right call. Wagner remains highly influential, although it might be worth the Commanders seeking a long-term replacement, considering this could be his final season of a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame journey. Regardless, the Utah State graduate will be counted upon heavily to keep standards high and ensure the team can reach some much loftier expectations when the new campaign arrives.
Bobby Wagner projected to have another big year for the Commanders in 2025
Ben Cooper from Pro Football Focus is expecting big things from Wagner in 2025. The analyst named him as the signing — or re-signing, in this case — with the most upside from Washington's perspective. That's strange to say for someone who'll be 35 years old next season, but it's a testament to how vital he's become to the franchise in such a short timeframe.
[Bobby] Wagner was arguably a linchpin of Dan Quinn’s new-look defense in Washington in 2024, and the team recognized his worth. The veteran is back on a one-year contract after looking like his prime self last season. He missed just 5.7% of his tackle attempts, the fifth-best rate among linebackers, and tied for second in run stops (41). Wagner’s return isn’t just about production; he is the leader of a defense on the rise, one that could be the difference in a potential Super Bowl run.Ben Cooper
Even the greatest fall off at some stage. The Commanders are banking on Wagner having one more good year left. They'll need it considering the schedule is tougher and they'll have a bigger target on their back.
Wagner is a model professional who leads by example. His meticulous preparation, willingness to go above and beyond to get himself in peak physical condition, and ability to inspire others gave him longevity and, when the time comes, NFL immortality in Canton. If he can have a similar impact on the Commanders next season, the better their chances will be.
This was always going to be a year-to-year deal between Wagner and the Commanders. He's not getting any younger and Father Time is undefeated. The second-level enforcer is fighting it off better than most, even if his sideline-to-sideline impact is slowly diminishing.
Fortunately, the Commanders have Frankie Luvu to help with that.
Adam Peters believes the Commanders are right on the cusp of greatness. His moves this offseason are proof positive of that. And Wagner wouldn't have agreed to stick around if he didn't believe it too.
Let's hope their judgment is correct.
