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Linebacker Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders.
The Washington Commanders made clear where they stand with regards to bringing back one of their veteran defensive starters for a third consecutive year in 2026.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner, an 11-time All-Pro (most recently in 2024) and former Super Bowl champion, remains a free agent after spending the past two campaigns as a fixture of Washington’s defense, starting all 34 games over that span.
Head coach Dan Quinn said on Saturday, March 28 that the team is open to Wagner’s return, but the Commanders also aren’t sweating it if he wants to play elsewhere during his age-36 campaign, which represents his 15th year in the league.
“We would never shut the door on him,” Quinn explained, per ESPN’s John Keim. “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”
Bobby Wagner May Need to Give Up Playing Time, Money to Return to Commanders
Bobby Wagner Sonny Styles
GettyWashington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner.
The translation there could go something like the Commanders are interested in Wagner for a third season as he turns the corner into his late 30s, but on their terms.
That might mean that Wagner should not expect to start and/or play as many snaps as he has in the past. Or it could mean that he must acquiesce to a pay decrease.
Wagner earned $9 million on a one-year deal in 2025 and has pocketed approximately $118.5 million over the course of his career. Spotrac projects his market value at $7.7 million next season.
Wagner is also a surefire future Hall of Famer who has plenty in the tank, even despite his age. He finished last season with 107 solo tackles and 51 assists to go along with 52 stops. The middle linebacker added 20 quarterback pressures, five sacks, four pass breakups and two interceptions.
Pro Football Focus ranked Wagner ninth out of 88 players at his position who saw enough snaps to qualify in 2025.
Bobby Wagner Has Proven as Important to Washington in Locker Room, Community as He Has on Field
Jayden Daniels Injured
GettyWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Other factors to consider are the respect Wagner commands in the locker room and community, as well as on the field.
Keim noted that quarterback Jayden Daniels, entering his third year, has developed a strong relationship with Wagner. Quinn has also been vocal about the importance of Wagner’s leadership.
“He’s like the most remarkable player and leader,” Quinn said. “I wanted to make sure I said how important he was to me to come here together.”
Beyond that, Wagner won the league’s most recent Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his work off the field. A former Seattle Seahawks great, Wagner has been vocal about his desire to play in the NFL next season.
“Sources:#Commanders 11-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, fully intends to continue playing for a 15th NFL season in 2026,” Jordan Schultz reported via X in late February.
Washington finished 5-12 last year after going 12-5 and earning a spot in the NFC title game during both Quinn’s and Wagner’s first season with the franchise in 2024.