Bobby Wagner's influence on the Washington Commanders went way beyond on-field production in 2024. Those in power recognized this accordingly with a new one-year deal for the prolific linebacker.
Something that also avoided any unnecessary complications before the legal tampering window.
Wagner spearheaded a remarkable locker room culture shift in Washington. Reuniting with Dan Quinn was a masterstroke for all parties. He instantly legitimized the team's ambitious plans and led by example from the moment he got into the building.
The former second-round selection earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors after continuing his trajectory to first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration. His partnership with fellow free-agent signing Frankie Luvu was the inspirational spark sorely lacking at the defensive second level during Ron Rivera's tenure. The improvements were immediate.
More importantly, Wagner helped implement Quinn's ethos and mindset to his teammates. He taught them how to win, how to prepare effectively and keep plowing forward in the face of adversity. While the Utah State product isn't the most vocal leader, he's got no problem speaking up passionately when required. Now, the Commanders will benefit from his presence for another season.
Commanders extending Bobby Wagner is a win-win for all parties
Multiple reports confirmed Wagner signed a new one-year deal in Washington. This came with $8 million guaranteed and could be worth $9.5 million with incentives. He'll also keep all the money given he negotiated the deal himself.
Pretty impressive.
There were murmurings about Wagner potentially reuniting with Pete Carroll on the Las Vegas Raiders if he hit the open market. Washington wasn't going to let that happen, tying down the respected figure and keeping him from receiving offers from elsewhere. This was a no-brainer move that should help enormously next season.
Wagner isn't getting any younger. He's almost 35 years old and doesn't have the same sideline-to-sideline explosiveness these days. However, his experience, communication, and supreme football intelligence compensate fully for losing a step.
This maintains continuity with big changes anticipated to the playing personnel again. When teams look around the locker room and see someone like Wagner, that means something. His presence should help Luvu greatly once again. His ability to inspire could be a major asset to Jordan Magee's development after his rookie impact was hindered by injuries.
It won't be much longer before Wagner walks away. He's accomplished everything and will be a huge success in whatever he decides to do after retirement. If this is the final campaign of his storied career, the Commanders will be striving with everything they have to ensure he goes out with a bang.
Adding a long-term replacement for Wagner would be wise this offseason. Peters could draft an intriguing prospect and have him learn behind the veteran in year one. Considering how the front-office leader is always thinking two steps ahead, it's a genuine possibility.
Wagner is a glue guy. He's someone others look to for motivation and high-level consistency in the biggest moments. Hopefully, he's got one more year of exceptional production left before potentially calling it quits.
He deserved to get paid. And Wagner won't be alone in that regard with a frantic few days on the horizon before free agency begins.
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