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Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
The Green Bay Packers are entering a pivotal 2026 NFL offseason with their Super Bowl hopes on the line.
It is clear that the window is open for the Packers. Brian Gutekunst is now being tasked with the job of upgrading the roster to the point of being able to win a championship.
Last season, Green Bay looked the part of a Super Bowl contender through the early portion of the year. Unfortunately, injuries completely derailed the team’s season. At the end of the day, the Packers didn’t have enough talent on both sides of the football.
Heading into free agency, Green Bay will likely need to replace some key players from last season. For now, we’ll focus on the inside linebacker position with Quay Walker widely expected to leave town.
How could the Packers look to replace Walker assuming he does leave? There is one intriguing option that has been suggested for Gutekunst to consider.
Green Bay Packers Linked to 10-Time Pro Bowl Linebacker
On SI’s Bill Huber, a longtime reporter covering Green Bay, has mentioned veteran star linebacker Bobby Wagner as a potential option for the Packers.
“Wagner during his age-33 season with Seattle in 2023 led the NFL with 183 tackles. With Washington in 2024, he was second-team All-Pro, giving him first- or second-team All-Pro for an 11th consecutive season,” Huber wrote.
“In 2025, he started all 17 games and had 162 tackles, two interceptions, 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for losses but didn’t force any fumbles. He ranked 10th among linebackers in coverage snaps per reception allowed but gave up three touchdowns and a linebackers-worst 13.1 yards per catch. He’s missed only one game (and started all but two) the past 10 seasons.”
Wagner may be 35 years old, but he’s still playing at a very high level. In fact, there is a good chance that he would be an upgrade over Walker, at least for the 2026 season.
As mentioned by Huber, Wagner totaled 162 tackles, two interceptions, 4.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss last season. Those numbers would look nice on the Green Bay defense.
What Would It Cost the Packers to Sign Bobby Wagner?
Spotrac has projected Wagner’s market value to sit around $7.7 million this offseason. They also expect him to end up signing a one-year contract.
Even though Wagner would not be a long-term option for the Packers, he should be a strong consideration. He would bring elite playmaking ability, sure tackling, and leadership to the team. Those are all qualities Green Bay should be looking for in free agency.
There are plenty of other options the Packers could pursue as well. If Wagner doesn’t appeal to them, names like Nakobe Dean and Leo Chenal could make sense. Alex Singleton would be another name to watch.
That being said, Wagner is a name worth monitoring closely. If Green Bay does end up signing him, the middle of the defense would be in a great place.