“He’s a tackler, he’s aggressive, he’s tough, he’s smart,” Commanders HC Dan Quinn ran out of praise in 2024 when they signed Bobby Wagner to a 1-year $8.5 million deal. As we move into the 2025 free agency, the coach is faced with a similar scenario. Do they take the linebacker’s increasing age, 34, in the equation or not? After all, some fans have noticed that he is not as quick as he used to be, but perhaps, if he is matched with a better defensive line, this issue could be masked.

Whatever the team eventually decides, here is a scenario they need to plan for: The Commanders smartly brought in the veteran last offseason, who gave them more than what they expected. Wagner recorded 132 tackles, which was slightly less than what he did in 2023 for the Seattle Seahawks but still was good enough for a man who will soon turn 35 in June.

He was a centerpiece of the Commanders’ defense and still looks like he can stop quarterbacks and perform at an elite level. But if they decide to sign him, the team will have to come to terms with the fact that age may eventually catch up. Even if they bring him back, they will need a plan in place for the future.

Discussing the topic, NBC’s JP Finlay revealed the new condition for signing the LB. In a tweet, he wrote:

“On a new Bobby Wagner contract, @corryjoel says, “$10M is the floor for a new Wagner deal…You gotta throw the age stuff out the window with him”.”

Bobby Wagner is a Super Bowl winner. In 2024, he performed well, keeping the Commanders’ defense steady. While the Commanders would have been happy to sign an extension, the price could be the issue. The team wants to rebuild under Dan Quinn and considering how the Eagles thrashed them badly in the NFC Championship 2024 with a 55-23 score, they need to retain the best players. Moreover, they are 3rd in the league with a $75 million cap space.

One thing is certain, though. If they don’t sign a deal, other teams are ready to step in. In 17 games (all starters) of the 2024 season, he recorded 1 fumble, 2 sacks, and 132 tackles (75 solo). Even in the three postseason games, he recorded 0.5 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 25 tackles (12 solo).

Top Comment by Lucresse Jocelyn

Ask yourself this. Does he perform like a 34 year old? Sign him! He was better than...more

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Debate

Pro Football Focus claimed on February 5 that Bobby Wagner could change teams and land at the LA Rams in the 2025 season. Dan Quinn would not like that to happen. However, there is a wave of changes as free agency will hit on March 12.

Is Dan Quinn eyeing a premier linebacker?

There is one combination that lands perfectly in the league. The Browns LB and 2023 DPOY, Myles Garrett, announced his intention to get out of the franchise. His aim is clear. Sign with a Super Bowl-winning team. The Commanders are the perfect answer. Playing with a rookie QB and a new head coach, they surprised everyone by reaching the NFC Championship, a first since the 1991 season.

No wonder Dan Quinn is confident of a great season in 2025. After losing the NFC Championship, the HC said, “Our team has a lot going for it… They’ve got brotherhood and toughness and work ethic, and there’s just one thing we didn’t have, and we just got it last night: and those are scars, and you can’t get them when you first huddle up, you have to earn them.”

“[We] sure as hell don’t want to, but you do need them to grow. And you truly don’t know who you are until you get your ass knocked down and see how you get back up. If I know anything about our team – they will absolutely get up swinging.”

The head coach would be happy to sign the premier linebacker. But they are keeping their options open. Khalil Mack might be becoming a free agent and departing from LA Chargers. They have another option in the Super Bowl winner Josh Sweat, who might leave the Eagles. These two are other primary targets that could strengthen the Commanders’ defense.

Fans are definitely looking forward to the QB-HC duo. It’s also a mystery if they could repeat the last year’s success or not. What do you think?