Six-time All-Pro Linebacker Bobby Wagner will become a free agent this upcoming offseason after the playoffs. According to some reports, there might be some risk if the Washington Commanders decide to re-sign him to a new contract even though they say it would be surprising if the team doesn’t bring him back. The team is still alive in the playoffs with a tough opponent in their corner but the roster made several moves this past offseason to rebuild a new regime. Wagner was one of the risky moves and that might be why the Commanders gave him a one-year deal rather than something long-term.
However, after signing with the Commanders, Wagner didn’t waste any time establishing a new defensive culture. A Bleacher Report suggests the Commanders could sign Tyrel Dodson as an option, but all the options are on the table. The team has some free agents like Jeremy Chinn who might not return so it’ll be interesting to see what first-year General Manager Adam Peters does in this scenario. Frankie Luvu is another reliable linebacker who’s only useful on third-down possessions, so they will still need a backup regardless if they don’t plan to sign back Wagner.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the veteran is arguably one of the greatest linebackers in league history, recording 35 sacks, 13 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and 1,838 total tackles. Wagner’s performance with Washington this postseason will catch a lot of free-agent interest from contenders so it shouldn’t be surprising if these teams decide to bring him in for a visit in March.
“The Last Dance” Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner May Kiss Goodbye as a Free Agent After Playoffs – Chargers, Chiefs Possible Next Teams
Rebuilding Harbaugh’s Defense
The Los Angeles Chargers head into the 2025 offseason with enough cap space to make several moves to improve their entire roster. After losing to the Houston Texans in the wild card, the team should look for ways to improve the defense since they were the primary reason why they lost that matchup. Many could blame quarterback Justin Herbert but head coach Jim Harbaugh said they didn’t put him in the best position to win. While Harbaugh was vocal about the ground game, the team could easily improve its offense with a few superstar wideouts to help rookie Ladd McConkey’s life easier in the aerial attack.
However, the defense is looking to take a huge hit this free agency if they don’t bring back some of their players. Asante Samuel Jr., Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Kristian Fulton and more will become free agents but they might want to start fresh. It doesn’t look like Mack will come back so they should embrace signing Wagner, who has become a reliable piece for the postseason. He probably won’t have full-time duties but he has the attributes that Harbaugh is looking for in a defensive old-school football.
Salary Cap Crisis
For the first time in a while, the Kansas City Chiefs will face a limited market since they don’t have the salary cap in their favor. They must part ways with several keystone players to make room for others who may come in. One of them might be including losing linebackers Nick Bolton and Josh Uche. Bobby Wagner checkmarks everything the Chiefs are looking for a pass-rushing threat to help defensive star Chris Jones with the front. Since Wagner wouldn’t need to require a long-term contract given his injuries, the team could pull away with signing him at a cheap deal.
The post “The Last Dance” Pro Bowler May Kiss Goodbye After Playoffs – Chargers, Chiefs Possible Next Teams appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.