Bobby Wagner is still exploring his options as he looks to continue his glittering playing career for one more season. Even though the Washington Commanders have seemingly moved on from the veteran linebacker, he could still be of use on the right fit with a team harboring immediate Super Bowl aspirations in 2026.
Just where that will be is anyone's guess. However, one NFL analyst urged a rising franchise to go after Wagner in their quest to get over the hump.
Wagner's powers are clearly waning. The Commanders desperately needed to get younger across the board this offseason, and general manager Adam Peters achieved that during a frantic free agency. Leo Chenal was acquired, and if another linebacker arrives in the 2026 NFL Draft, the energy at the defensive second level will increase exponentially.
Bobby Wagner touted as option for Carolina Panthers as Commanders move on
Those plans may no longer include Wagner, but Russell Baxter of Sports Illustrated thinks the Carolina Panthers represent a sneaky destination where Wagner's on-field influence and locker-room leadership could benefit this ascending team in the short term.
"He also comes off a season in which he wasPro Football Focus’No. 9 linebacker—not bad for a 35-year-old performer. [Bobby] Wagner is seemingly always around the ball, and has returned four of his 27 regular-season takeaways for touchdowns.
"Adding the star defender via a one-year contract would give Dave Canales’s team a proven performer who could also be a positive for [Devin] Lloyd and some of Carolina’s younger defenders."
The Panthers won eight games last season, which was enough to secure their first NFC South championship in a decade and their first playoff spot since 2017. General manager Dan Morgan has been aggressive this offseason to build on this momentum, spending lavish sums on edge rusher Jaelan Phillips while also acquiring second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd for less than his expected market value.
Potentially placing Wagner with Lloyd comes with intrigue, and the knowledge he could pass to the Utah product would be substantial. Even so, this doesn't really look like a good fit for Ejiro Evero's scheme.
Wagner remains a force in between the tackles. His coverage ability is a liability at best these days. Considering how much the Panthers struggled to stop passing yards over the middle last season, they are probably looking for a coverage specialist with more dynamism rather than the aging six-time All-Pro.
The Panthers might not, especially given their current salary-cap constraints, but someone will come calling for Wagner. It might be after the draft once teams take stock of what's required, but the veteran is experienced enough to prepare effectively before his next opportunity arrives. And considering this will likely be his swansong, he's not going to jump at the first offer that comes along.
He's earned the right to be selective, and it'll be interesting to see where Wagner ends up next.