The Washington Commanders will be aggressively revamping their roster this offseason. A difficult element of that means parting ways with beloved veterans who no longer fit the team's future plans.
In that regard, the biggest name that comes to mind is linebacker Bobby Wagner. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer gave his all to Washington for the past two seasons. He was also instrumental in changing the culture during the Commanders' magical 2024 season, which ended with a defeat in the NFC Championship Game.
However, age exposed his limitations, and the Commanders desperately need to get younger. If he is to continue playing in the NFL, it won't be in Washington.
And there's one destination for him to finish out his career that just feels too obvious.
Bobby Wagner projected to leave Commanders for emotional Seahawks swansong
Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker thought Wagner would secure an emotional reunion with the Seattle Seahawks for a third and final stint. This could also ultimately be his swansong before riding off into the proverbial sunset.
"Wagner seems to age like a fine wine, showing little sign of decline in Washington last season with 162 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He already returned to Seattle in 2023 after leaving once, and could cap off his career there as he tries to win another Super Bowl."Seth Trachtman
The Seahawks are back in the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade. It's a significant achievement, considering they were expected to be only a fringe playoff contender this year. Their roster isn't littered with very many win-now guys, either. Not yet, anyway.
Seattle will likely try to capitalize on its success this offseason, and Wagner would be a good fit to return for another run with the team that made him a legend. With Ernest Jones IV locked into the starting middle linebacker role in head coach Mike Macdonald's system, the former Utah State star would only need to be a rotational piece. That's exactly what he is at this stage of his playing career.
Wagner has already won a Super Bowl in Seattle, so he has no reason to ring-chase. But he has more than earned the right to finish his career wherever he pleases.
Even though his exceptional gifts might be waning at 36 years old next season, there's no place that would be a more fitting feel-good destination for Wagner than the one where it all began.