If any team was the highlight of 2024, it was the NFC East side Washington Commanders. Riding high on their rookie QB, Jayden Daniels, they surprised everyone by reaching the NFC Championship after 33 years. It wasn’t the lone wolf (signal caller) but a pack comprising veterans like LB Bobby Wagner. He also arrived there just in 2024 with the new HC Dan Quinn, who even praised the LB by saying, “What a remarkable competitor he is.” In the offseason, here’s an update on the linebacker’s future.

Wagner signed a 1-year $6.5 million last year, per Spotrac. In 2024, he also excelled by starting all 17 games, with 2 sacks, 4 defended passes, 132 tackles (75 solo), and 8 QB hits. Even in the playoffs, he had a 0.5 sack and 25 tackles (solo). But HC Dan Quinn pulled himself back on guaranteeing any future deal at the franchise. Now, things have changed.

The Commanders signed a 1-year, $9.5 million contract with the 35-year-old linebacker. The average age of the league players is around 27 years. Given that 2025 will be the 14th season of Bobby Wagner, the 46% pay raise is a tremendous achievement. The new contract also includes $8 million guaranteed. That’s truly remarkable.

Bobby Wagner and Dan Quinn have an old bond. They won Super Bowl XLVIII together in 2013 when the Commanders HC was the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks. This year, they fitted perfectly at the franchise. It has been a great journey for the veteran linebacker.

With the Commanders, he also earned his 10th Pro Bowl last year. GM Adam Peters understands that they need to secure the talent they have. He also got the WR Deebo Samuel from the 49ers, but the decision raised many eyebrows.

Dan Quinn-Adam Peters targeted over Deebo Samuel trade

When the Niners traded their receiver, the trade shocked the league, but the player was happy. His teammate, Brandon Aiyuk, persuaded him to watch the rookie QB. So, he was ‘bittersweet’ with his departure. In an essay, Samuel praised HC Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch for helping him grow as a player.

He also claimed ‘peace’ over leaving the club, saying it was a tough decision. But the HC-GM duo understood his reasons for seeking a trade. The Commanders traded a 5th-round pick in 2025 and took up the last year of his 3-year $71.55 million deal. Not only that, but they will also count $17.5 million against the salary cap. Some analysts don’t like this part of the deal.

On March 4, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons claimed, “That dude’s body’s been through a lot … I watch football every week. Deebo took a (expletive) ton of hits. The way they used him, he was like a crash test dummy. And I just wonder if (the 49ers) were like, ‘I think we took this as far as we can go.’ Like if it starts to dip, it could be on somebody else’s team.” No doubt he finished 2024 with 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, both career lows.

However, Adam Peters is also a smart GM. Moreover, he was with the 49ers until 2023 before taking up the GM position at the Commanders. He was the one who played a key role in drafting Deebo Samuel. So, the risks are always there. But they have also made their assessment.

Overall, the situation looks good for the NFC East team. But can they improve on their performance with the current roster, or need more players? That’s the test they have.