Bobby Wagner was among the most important acquisitions made by the Washington Commanders in 2024. Whether this was a short-term arrangement or not is up for debate.
Wagner helped Dan Quinn spearhead a sensational locker room culture shift. He took on a leadership role, teaching this new-look roster how to compete and win. Aside from the head coach and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, arguably no one was more integral than the perennial All-Pro linebacker.
The former second-round selection plans to continue his playing career despite his advancing years. Wagner might have lost a step in coverage, but his supreme run-stopping, pre-snap communication, and overall football IQ make him a force. His partnership with Frankie Luvu flourished immediately, giving the Commanders an explosive spark at the defensive second level that vanished during Ron Rivera's four-year tenure.
After signing a one-year deal with the Commanders, another free agency beckons for Wagner. Washington would probably like to keep him around. If not, the Utah State product should generate interest on the open market.
Adam Peters needs to form contingency plans for every eventuality this offseason. One NFL insider believes the general manager might turn to a familiar face if Wagner departs.
Commanders named as landing spot for Dre Greenlaw if Bobby Wagner departs
Matt Burrows from The Athletic highlighted Peters' previous connection to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw as an intriguing element to watch. There are injury red flags to consider, but the analyst believes it's a likely landing spot for the player as he looks to emerge from Fred Warner's shadow elsewhere.
"I think the chances are better than not that Dre Greenlaw is gone. My sense is that Dre Greenlaw wants the opportunity to run his own shop. The way that Azeez Al-Shaair did with the [Houston] Texans this past season. He's not going to get that with Fred Warner on the roster. I think he wants the chance to strike out on his own. And I wonder about the Commanders. They've got Bobby Wagner there, he's a free agent. If they move on from Bobby Wagner, Adam Peters was a guy who drafted Dre Greenlaw back in 2019, does he come knocking? It would take something like that."Matt Burrows
Greenlaw is talented, there's no getting away from that. However, his 2024 campaign was blighted by health concerns. That could put the Commanders off unless the player's medical assessments make for satisfactory reading.
The former fifth-round selection out of Arkansas came back for two games in 2024 before suffering a calf issue. This was a devastating blow after Greenlaw worked hard to return from a torn Achilles suffered in the Super Bowl.
It was a fleeting contribution, but Greenlaw still got votes for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He was way down the pecking order, but it typifies the esteem in which he is held around the league.
If Greenlaw was at the peak of his powers, this is something the Commanders should consider whether Wagner is retained or not. But that's not guaranteed.
Greenlaw needs to prove his health problems are behind him. That could work in the Commanders' favor with a one-year deal with the promise of more if everything goes according to plan. That's a method Peters used with several veterans during his first offseason — many of whom went on to become influential figures.
Wagner included.
According to Spotrac, Greenlaw is expected to get $6.65 million on his one-year contract in free agency. That's around what the Commanders paid Wagner, so it's got the scope to be a like-for-like swap. But preference would be for the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer to stick around and maintain continuity.
Peters has the money to keep Wagner and sign Greenlaw. But it does look like it would have to be one or the other.
