Does latest Bobby Wagner update take Commanders out of running for star LB?

Through a week of free agency, the Washington Commanders have made just two outside signings. The first, Andrew Norwell, shores up the left guard position after Ereck Flowers got released. The second, Efe Obada, brings upside as a rotational edge rusher and defensive tackle in passing situations.

Wouldn’t you know it, both players played for Ron Rivera in Carolina, though their paths never overlapped.

While Norwell and Obada figure to upgrade the roster, it’s pretty alarming the Commanders have yet to find a new linebacker. With Landon Collins no longer on the team (his contract will come off the books after June 1) that puts Jamin Davis in a position to start in an off-ball role alongside Cole Holcomb.

Ron Rivera seemingly ended the experiment of playing Davis in the MIKE role, leaving Washington with a gaping hole at a premier position.

Most fans in Washington have been clamoring for Bobby Wagner to assume the position. As one of the best linebackers of his generation and a likely future Hall of Famer, who wouldn’t want Wagner anchoring the middle of the defense?

Unfortunately for the Commanders, Wagner to Washington feels like a pipe dream after his latest free agency update. Per multiple reports, the nine-time Pro Bowler met with the Rams on Wednesday.

Even worse? There’s mutual interest in getting a deal done.

The Commanders are likely out of the running for Bobby Wagner.

Well, so much for that. In a league that is quickly starting to mirror the NBA in terms of upper-echelon players dictating the market (players forcing their way out of a team and hand picking their next destination) it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Wagner seemingly wants to play in Los Angeles for the defending champions.

Take the Tyreek Hill trade for example. It was reportedly down to the Dolphins and Jets for the three-time All-Pro. As soon as that became clear, Miami not winning the sweepstakes would’ve been a colossal letdown on their part.

Location and star-power matters. The Jets were in on Hill, but he picked South Beach. They were in on Chandler Jones, but he picked Las Vegas. The Commanders were in on Matthew Stafford, but he picked Los Angeles. They made a big offer for Amari Cooper a few years ago, but he returned to Dallas for less money.

As presently constructed, the Commanders aren’t a team that can overcome its unattractive location. They’re working to get there and have a nice core in place, but why would Wagner, who only has a few prime years remaining, ever want to play in Washington when he can play in LA for Sean McVay and the reigning champs?

Having spent the entirety of his career in Seattle, Wagner likely owns a home somewhere on the west coast. Playing for the Rams — or any contender on that side of the country — always felt like the best fit for the 31-year-old.

After all, doing so would give Wagner two chances a year to face the Seahawks, who allegedly didn’t reach out beforehand to let him know he would be released. Even if getting revenge on Seattle isn’t part of the Rams’ appeal, Wagner landing in Washington was never realistic.

Here’s to hoping reverse jinxes actually exist.