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LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 22: Bobby Wagner #54 of the Washington Commanders reacts after a missed field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos may not be done adding to their defense just yet. One new suggestion is turning attention toward a future Hall of Fame name still on the market.
In a recent breakdown of “1 Free Agent Still on the Market Who Can Help EachNFL Team in 2026″, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport pointed directly to veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner as a potential fit in Denver.
The reasoning centers on both need and opportunity for Denver.
“At this point in his 14-year professional career, Bobby Wagner isn’t the force he once was,” Davenport wrote. “But the last time he failed to record 130 tackles in a season was also a decade ago.” He added that Wagner “wouldn’t be especially expensive” and could be motivated by chasing another Super Bowl late in his career.
That combination is what makes this idea interesting. The production hasn’t completely fallen off, even if the peak version of Wagner is long gone. And for a team like the Broncos, that might be enough.
Dak
Unclear what Bobby Wagner is prioritizing in free agency or how much interest the #Broncos would have if any, but I’d love to see Denver add him to boost that ILB room especially with a proven Super Bowl winner. At this stage of his career he could be chasing another ring.
Broncos Linebacker Questions Continue to Linger
Even after bringing back both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, the Broncos’ linebacker room still carries some uncertainty.
Singleton provides stability and tackling production, but he’s not viewed as a high-end playmaker. Strnad flashed in stretches last season but has primarily been used as more of a rotational or situational piece rather than a true three-down starter.
Both players were also consistently targeted and exposed on big plays throughout last season.
That leaves Denver in a spot where the position feels serviceable, but not necessarily strong. For a defense that was among the league’s best last season and came within one game of the Super Bowl, that kind of gap stands out more than it would on a rebuilding roster.
Right now, it’s clearly the biggest weakness on an otherwise elite defense.
The team could look to address the position in the draft, especially with several prospects expected to be available in the middle rounds. But relying entirely on a rookie to step into a meaningful role carries its own risks. Adding a veteran like Wagner would give the Broncos a higher floor and more depth while still allowing flexibility long term.
Experience vs. Decline Is the Real Debate for Broncos
The case for Wagner is straightforward. He’s one of the most accomplished linebackers of his generation. He has elite instincts, leadership and a track record of production that hasn’t completely disappeared.
Even last season, Wagner finished with over 160 total tackles while starting every game. He continues to find the ball and remains durable, which carries value on its own.
At the same time, there’s a reason he’s still available.
Coverage limitations have become more noticeable, and metrics like passer rating allowed suggest he can be targeted in space.
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That’s where the decision becomes more nuanced for Denver. Wagner wouldn’t dramatically raise the ceiling of the defense, but he could help stabilize a position that still feels unsettled.
For a team looking to get back deep into the playoffs, that might be enough to at least consider the move.