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Bobby Wagner Rumors: Commanders Sign Former Seahawks LB to 1-Year Contract in NFL FA

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMarch 13, 2024

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: Linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.  The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 21-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Washington Commanders and veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Wagner, 33, returned to the Seahawks last offseason after a frustrating one-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams. He set a career high with 183 total tackles and added 3.5 sacks before again hitting the free-agent market. It marked the third time Wagner has led the NFL in tackles.

The future Hall of Famer has made 10 All-Pro teams and nine Pro Bowls, including a second-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl honor in 2023. He's shown no real signs of slowing down despite being 12 years into his career.

"I feel like I have a great team that helps me stay in shape and stay ready," Wagner told reporters in January. "I got great examples of guys that played a long time that are not selfish with information on how to last and I just try to do my best to do that, and I feel fine."

Despite his production, the market for a middle linebacker approaching age 34 was understandably not robust. The linebacker spot has seen an overall deemphasis across the NFL, and teams tend to pay for what they believe you will do rather than what's been done.

The Seahawks began an organizational shift over the offseason as well, firing longtime coach Pete Carroll and hiring Mike Macdonald..

It became clear Wagner was not in their plans once the offseason began, leading to him exploring the market. Now, Wagner will head to Washington for the next chapter of his career.