NFL News: Bobby Wagner, Commanders Reportedly Agree to New Contract Worth Up to $9.5M

Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner is sticking around in the NFL with the Washington Commanders for at least another season.

The six-time All-Pro agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Commanders, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The new contract features $8 million in guaranteed money and can be worth up to $9.5 million.

In a lot of cases, fans might've been left to wonder about the future of a decorated 34-year-old star who's hitting free agency. Wagner, on the other hand, showed no signs of slowing down in 2024.

He posted 100-plus tackles for the 13th straight season and finished 18th in the category with 132. He added two sacks, four pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Wagner continued to display the all-around defensive game that will surely send hm to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the time comes.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn worked with Wagner for two seasons when he was the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator. Last March, he said the nine-time Pro Bowler represented "all that I love about football through both his contributions on the field and overall leadership.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels deservedly gets a lot of credit for Washington's unexpected run to the NFC title game. He displayed a level of poise and decision-making that's uncommon for a first-year starter.

It's not a coincidence the Commanders' success also came after they signed Wagner, though.

"Man, he just brings a winning presence, a winning culture, the way he works every day," defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said last May. "When you see a guy like that, in Year 13, first-ballot Hall of Famer, work as hard as he does, there's really no excuse for anybody else."

In 2023, the Commanders ranked last in both yards and points allowed. They climbed to 13th in total defense in 2024, surrendering 327.9 yards per game and 18th in points allowed (23.0). Wagner was one of the many reasons for that improvement.

The Eagles will undoubtedly be a formidable challenge in the NFC East, but Washington is on an upward trajectory as an organization. The general lack of drama surrounding the Commanders presented a stark contrast from the dysfunctional ownership regime of Daniel Snyder.

At this stage of his career, Wagner might be more deliberate in where he chooses to play. It's not hard to see why staying in Washington was an attractive option, and the team's desire to retain him was equally sensible.