Bobby Wagner cites ‘unfinished business’ in return to Commanders

The Washington Commanders have bolstered their defence by extending Bobby Wagner's contract, who recorded 132 combined tackles in 2024.

Bobby Wagner cites ‘unfinished business’ in return to Commanders

Bobby Wagner (via X)

Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner will remain with the Washington Commanders for at least another season. The 34-year-old linebacker from Los Angeles California signed a one-year contract worth up to $9.5 million, the team confirmed on Thursday. The decision comes ahead of the official start of NFL free agency next week and keeps a key defensive leader in Washington’s lineup.

Wagner, who joined the Commanders last season, played a crucial role in transforming the team’s defense. His presence helped Washington make an unexpected run to the NFC Championship Game, where they ultimately fell short against the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Commanders’ playoff push marked a significant turnaround for the franchise. The franchise recorded its first winning season since 2016 and made its highest win total since 1991. They also broke their playoff win and conference championship game droughts that existed since 2005 and 1991 respectively.

During this monumental 2024 season, Wagner recorded 132 combined tackles, proving to be a vital force in stabilizing the Commanders’ defense. His performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable linebackers. However, with his contract set to expire, there was uncertainty regarding his future with the team.

On Friday, Wagner addressed the media and expressed his motivation for returning to Washington — unfinished business. “You always want to be in a place where they want you. And I think we got unfinished business,” Wagner stated, as reported by NBC Sports’ JP Finlay.

The Commanders’ remarkable run last season, led by standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, brought newfound hope to the organization. Wagner’s leadership and experience were instrumental in shaping the defense, and his return reinforces the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge.

The Washington Commanders keeping defensive upgrades a top priority

The Washington Commanders are hungry for success and Dan Quinn and Adam Peters are not repeating the same mistake as the previous head coach Ron Rivera. The refashioned identity is on top to ensure that every aspect of the new team is secure and there are no voids in the team.

Dan Quinn
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (Image via AP News)

Bobby Wagner has previous experience with Dan Quinn, who knows how to effectively use someone of Wagner’s caliber. In addition to Wagner, the Washington Commanders have significantly bolstered their defense by bringing in Frankie Luvu from the Carolina Panthers.

Jeremy Chinn, despite being listed as a safety, thrived when positioned closer to the line of scrimmage, making him a valuable asset in this role. This combination of energy and experience perfectly aligns with maximizing his player potential.

With a linebacking group now consisting of Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, and Jamin Davis, the Commanders possess a formidable unit capable of making a major impact. If deployed effectively, this quartet has the potential to become one of the most dynamic and disruptive linebacker corps in the league, significantly strengthening Washington’s defensive front. Their dreams of making one step ahead of their 2024 finish could become a reality alright.

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