Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
Getty
Washington Commanders star linebacker Bobby Wagner
The Washington Commanders enter the NFL offseason with quite a few questions that need to be answered. One of those questions will have to do with the future of star veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Wagner is set to become a free agent this offseason. He could still return to the Commanders, but there are plenty of other teams around the league who would love to add him for both his production on the field and leadership ability.
At this stage of Wagner’s career, contending for a Super Bowl will be at the top of his list. He is now 35 years old and his career is winding down quickly. Washington could offer him a chance to compete, but there are other teams who could come calling as well.
With that being said, Wagner has now been connected as a potential fit for two NFC opponents entering the NFL offseason.
Washington Commanders Could Lose Bobby Wagner in Free Agency
Ahead of NFL free agency, there are going to be a lot of rumors surrounding the Commanders. Recently, two potential landing spots were suggested for Wagner that would see him leave Washington.
Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
GettyWashington Commanders star linebacker Bobby Wagner
Greg Auman of Fox Sports has suggested both the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks as potential destinations for the veteran star.
“A new coordinator for the Commanders could mean Wagner is signing elsewhere, a future Hall of Famer still making plays on a consistent basis,” Auman wrote. “Could he return to the Seahawks or Rams and try to chase a second ring on the way out?”
Of course, signing with either team would be a reunion for Wagner. Before playing the last two years with the Commanders, Wagner spent 10 years with the Seahawks from 2012 through 2021, one year with the Rams in 2021, and another season with Seattle in 2023.
During the 2025 NFL season, Wagner played in all 17 regular season games for Washington. He racked up 162 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, and four defended passes. Those numbers show that he is still one of the best linebackers in football.
Losing Wagner Would Be a Tough Blow for the Commanders
After making a run to the NFC Championship Game just two years ago, the Commanders missed the playoffs in 2025. They saw star second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels deal with multiple serious injuries throughout the year.
Wagner may be aging, but his numbers show elite football left in him. However, it’s his leadership both on and off the field that Washington would miss greatly.
Players coming and going is a part of the business of the NFL. The Commanders will have to deal with whatever the outcome of Wagner’s free agency ends up being.
Even with that being said, Washington should do everything it can to re-sign Wagner. If the Commanders want to get back on track and be a serious contender in 2026, the longtime star linebacker would be a big part of that equation if he is re-signed.
Both the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are worth watching closely as potential threats to steal Wagner away from Washington.