The Washington Commanders have made what could be seen as an underrated move with the re-signing of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wagner returns to Washington on a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million with $8 million guaranteed. … so call it $8 million for the “Dan Quinn guy.”
Much of the Commanders' offseason business has been centered around the players the franchise brings in, with Deebo Samuel the headliner so far, but it is just as crucial that the front office does its best to keep the players who have helped build the culture and set the standards for Dan Quinn's team.
That is Wagner.
The veteran is still playing at a Pro Bowl level and led the Commanders in tackles last season with 132. He also managed two sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits.
Additionally, per PFF, Wagner, among fellow linebackers in 2024, generated the fifth-most pressures (26), and had an overall grade of 89.9 which was the third-best in football.
He also posted a pass rush grade of 91.0 (first) and run defense grade of 90.8 (third-best), so the 34-year-old had himself quite the season in the nation's capital.
Now, he will be going around again as one of the leaders of Quinn's team as the Commanders look to double down on what they accomplished in 2024.
With Wagner back, it is a key piece of business as he helped create the culture and drive the standards both on and off the field that Quinn craved.
While the Samuel signing was the flashy one fans wanted to see, having the right kind of people in the building is just as important, and in Wagner, the Commanders have the ultimate leader back for another year.
