The Washington Commanders continue their free agency splurge, adding All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner to their new-look roster.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wagner is heading to the Commanders on a one-year, $8.5M ($6M in guarantees).
Sources: #Seahawks perennial Pro Bowler and All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner is signing with the #Commanders on a 1-year deal worth a max value of $8.5M, a deal that includes $6M in guarantees.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
Dan Quinn was with Wagner a decade ago in Seattle, now they’re back. A splash for Washington. pic.twitter.com/QPcsF0y9mt
After having their worst season (4-13) since the arrival of head coach Ron Rivera in 2020, the Commanders have been one of the league's busiest teams. The addition of the veteran linebacker now brings in Washington's fifth new face on the defensive side of the ball, and their 10th overall.
Wagner's latest move lands him on the East Coast for the first time in what will be his 13th year but will be surrounded by familiar faces. His arrival in Washington will reunite him with his former defensive coordinators, Dan Quinn and Ken Norton Jr.
The 33-year-old linebacker is coming off arguably the best season of his career with a league-leading and career-high 183 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and six QB hits. Wagner will be joining a defense that ranked dead last in 2023 and will bring leadership to both on and off the field.
During their time in Seattle, Wagner and Quinn helped form one of the most feared defenses and will hope to recreate that in 2024 now at the nation's capital.
Wagner has spent the majority of his career in the Emerald City where his impact has gone beyond his play on the gridiron. For 11 years, Wagner has built an everlasting relationship with the city and fans of Seattle where his love and impact have been recognized with multiple Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations.
In his latest post on X, formerly Twitter, Wagner commemorated Seattle, saying "It's always love. Until we meet again. I'm around."
Seattle, we’ve done this before. You know what it is. It’s always love. Until we meet again. I’m around
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) March 13, 2024
No love has been lost between Wagner and Seattle, but the one-time Super Bowl champion will find himself in new threads for the 2024 campaign.
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