“We would never shut the door on him,” Commanders head coach Quinn said Saturday, via John Keim of ESPN. However, the staff is comfortable with their alternatives: “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”

Wagner not only achieved a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, but has also earned First-Team All-Pro honors six times and Second-Team All-Pro honors five times. A stellar career that could see him once again chasing a title alongside Jayden Daniels with this team.

Wagner’s impact on the Commanders

In 2025, Bobby Wagner remained a defensive powerhouse for the Commanders, recording 79 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions without forcing a single fumble. If Washington fails to bring the future Hall of Famer back for the 2026 season, it would lose more than just elite production; it would miss his veteran leadership and quarterback of the defense mentality, which are crucial for Dan Quinn‘s rebuilding process.

Wagner’s situation in this free agency

A re-signing of Bobby Wagner for the 2026 season would involve a significant shift in both pay and playtime compared to 2025. While he earned nearly $9 million last year, his current market value is projected at $7.7 million for a one-year deal.

Furthermore, Washington no longer views him as a 1,000-snap starter, as his potential return would likely focus on a situational rotation role and providing mentorship for the team’s younger linebackers.

What alternatives does Quinn have for Wagner’s position?

Ahead of next season, the Washington Commanders are transitioning to a more aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. The linebacker unit is currently anchored by Leo Chenal and Frankie Luvu, who provide the versatility needed for this new system.

Additionally, the potential selection of Sonny Styles in the upcoming draft could give the Burgundy & Gold the elite hybrid playmaker they need to solidify the second level of their defense.

Washington eyes the upcoming Draft

Like the vast majority of the 32 NFL franchises, the Washington Commanders are keeping an eye on the upcoming draft. Here are the six picks that Dan Quinn will need to use wisely:

• Round 1, pick 7
• Round 3, pick 71
• Round 5, pick 147
• Round 6, pick 187
• Round 6, pick 209
• Round 7, pick 223

While high-profile names like Deebo Samuel and Bobby Wagner draw the most headlines, their potential exit represents a broader strategy. The front office must decide if these veterans are still the right fit for a team seeking a younger identity.

Beyond the stars, some futures highlight a looming void in veteran leadership. With significant cap space available but few players under contract, every decision made this winter will reshape the NFL team’s long-term foundation.

Washington Commanders free agents in 2026

The current roster construction reflects a calculated gamble by Adam Peters, who filled critical gaps with seasoned veterans on short-term deals. While this approach provided immediate stability for a developing squad, the sheer volume of expiring contracts creates a massive logistical challenge.

With over 22 players potentially hitting the open market, the Commanders must now decide which of these mentors have outlived their utility and which remain essential for the locker room culture.

Financial flexibility remains the team’s greatest asset, as Washington enters the offseason with one of the most significant salary cap surpluses in the league. This “clean slate” allows the front office to move away from stopgap solutions like Austin Ekeler or Von Miller, who provided veteran presence at a high cost.

During the 2013 season, the Seahawks were the best team in the NFC. They arrived at Super Bowl XLVIII to face the Denver Broncos, and with a blowout win against the AFC West squad, they lifted their first Vince Lombardi trophy.

Unfortunately, the recent seasons have not been the best for them. As they are in a restructure, the team’s front office is tempting a former Super Bowl champion to have a second run with them and fight for another title together.

Seahawks’ front office has been in touch with Bobby Wagner

During the 2013 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks had an amazing defense. They managed to control Peyton Manning’s offense at the Super Bowl XLVIII and give the NFC West squad its first title.

In that team, Bobby Wagner was a star. The linebacker was drafted in 2012 by the Seahawks and he answered to them with a decade full of high performances to build a very strong defense.

Wagner left the team in 2021 to play for one season with the Los Angeles Rams. However, they decided to cut him and the linebacker is a free agent, so that’s why Pete Carroll is interested in bringing him back.

“We’ve been able to talk to Bobby now and address some of those things, so it’s worked out great,” general manager John Schneider said in his weekly interview with Seattle Sports 710 AM. “We’re gonna be in communication as we go along throughout free agency now.”

Wagner had an impressive 2022 campaign with 140 tackles, but the Rams decided to move on from him tofree up salary cap space. Will he get a second chance with Seattle to fight for another Super Bowl?

Mitch Trubiskybegan as the starter, but, prior to Week 5, head coachMike Tomlin made the call thousands of fans were expecting. RookieKenny Pickettwas in charge. For Tomlin, the streak of no losing seasons continued with sixteen. However, theSteelershaven’t won a playoff game in the last six years. That’s not a great standard for a franchise with sixSuper Bowls.

Now, Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to go all-in toward free agency in order to become once again a contender.Read here to check out their chances to land Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner.

Pittsburgh Steelers could target Jalen Ramsey or Bobby Wagner

According to many reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams with interest to acquire Jalen Ramsey. Of course, the Los Angeles Rams are waiting for the best trade-package to analyze their options. Other teams in the mix for the stellar cornerback are the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.

It’s important to remember that the Pittsburgh Steelers are stacked in the 2023 NFL Draft. They have three of the first 50 picks and that could be crucial to make an offer to the Los Angeles Rams (pick 17 overall, pick 32 overall and pick 49 overall). However, the main problem is the salarydue in Ramsey’s contract and the tremendous hit in the salary cap.

If the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t land Jalen Ramsey, they have to consider Cam Sutton will be a free agent. That’s why cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft and Joey Porter Jr have resounded in the last few weeks. Also,that could activate a second option to target another position.

In the case of Bobby Wagner, Adam Schefter informed that the linebacker won’t return with the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to the start of free agency on March 15th, the Rams and the linebacker concluded this was the best option for both parts. He played all games of the 2022 NFL season and was named All-Pro for a ninth time in his illustrious career.

Now, considering all his accolades, Wagner becomes one of the top defensive stars in the market and the Pittsburgh Steelers have marginto make him an offer. Bobby Wagner is the most important linebacker available in free agency and that position has been a headache for the Steelers.

For many years, Devin Bush has failed to fulfill the high expectations as a first round pick. Now, Bobby Wagner could be massive splash to play alongside names such as T.J. Watt, Robert Spillane and Myles Jack.

The problem for the Steelers is that in the race for Bobby Wagner there could be other suitors such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Detroit Lions.

So, looking toward the future, the Rams need huge decisions if they want to become, once again, a contender. There’s almost no margin of error considering the San Francisco 49ers seem like a powerhouse in the NFC West and the Seattle Seahawksmade an amazing run into the playoffs thanks to Geno Smith.

However, in a huge hit for the franchise, Sean McVayand the Los Angeles Rams mightlose a key member for their success. Check out all the details about this major change close to the start offree agency.

Bobby Wagnerleaves the Los Angeles Rams; Jalen Ramsey could be traded

According to a report from Adam Schefter, Bobby Wagner won’t return with the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to the start of free agency on March 15th, the Rams and the linebacker concluded this was the best option for both parts.

In the case of Bobby Wagner, he played all games of the 2022 NFL season and was named All-Pro for a ninth time in his illustrious career. Now, considering all his accolades, Wagner becomes one of the top defensive stars in the market and many teams will be ready to make him an offer.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams get some room in their already complicated salary cap situation. However, the move is unexpected because Bobby Wagner signed a five-year deal with the team on March of 2022. He was supposed to be a long-run member of a championship caliber defense alongside names such as Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Instead, Bobby Wagner is now the most important linebacker available in free agency.

Furthermore, after the Bobby Wagner news, Jalen Ramsey might be on the trading block prior to March 15th. Many reports point out that the Rams are willing to listen offers for the stellar cornerback in order to, as in the case of Wagner, release as many space as they can in the salary cap. A trade could be announced in the next few days.

After ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, the 31-year-old linebacker was released. His time with the Hawks began after being selected by Utah State in the second round of the 2012 draft. The first 4.3 million, four-year contract he signed turned into a profitable investment.

Seattle Seahawks reached Super Bowl XLVIII in which they faced the New England Patriots of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Bobby Wagner contributed greatly to his team’s victory with decisive tackles and a pass interception. The Hawks thus won the only Super Bowl in their history so far.

Bobby Wagner opens up about his expectations with Los Angeles Rams

Wagner comes to the Los Angeles Rams with an absolute star billing. In addition to winning Super Bowl XLVIII, he has eight appearances in the Pro Bowl, was 2 times leader of tackles in the NFL and was considered in the 2010 NFL team of the decade.He joined the team on a five-year, $65 million contract.

Given this, it is natural that there is expectation on the part of Rams fans to see the best version of Bobby Wagner as soon as possible, however, the player asked for calm, because before he can replicate the success he achieved with Seattle Seahawks, he needs something specific.

“I understand that at the Rams they have a way of working and to lead here you have to learn how they do things before you get on the field… I’m pretty hands-on, but I have to learn how everything works. Once I build that confidence in practice, on the field it will be easier. Then I’ll use some of my experience to pass it on to the guys.”, stated Wagner according to ESPN.

Despite the adjustment time Bobby Wagner is asking for, it is a fact that his signing by the reigning NFL champions is an encouraging prospect. Regarding the role he will have with the Rams, specifically with young Ernest Jones, Wagner said the following: “It’s funny because now I’m the big brother. I try to share with him the music I listen to and he plays me what he hears. He has all the attributes of a great linebacker, and if I can help him I will.“