The Washington Commanders have some important decisions ahead of them this offseason. Adam Peters saw his grand plans for Super Bowl contention in 2025 go up in smoke, and it's going to take a lot of hard work and tough, but necessary, choices to turn things around.
Some will be more challenging than others. The Commanders have to get younger somehow, and this takes time. But there is one pending situation that is starting to look like a genuine coin flip next spring.
It centers on the future of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. The second-level enforcer is firmly at the twilight of his future Pro Football Hall of Fame career. However, the Commanders could give him another one-year deal to provide some stability within a unit that is crying out for more consistency.
Commanders and Bobby Wagner are bracing for an offseason contract crossroads
Frankie Luvu has regressed. He's been used as an edge rusher more and is far less effective. Jordan Magee is getting more reps on the rotation, but it's hard to know what the Commanders have one way or another. Others are nothing more than backups and special-teams players.
Wagner is the constant. He's got growing flaws and obvious strengths. The former Utah State star is a liability in coverage when isolated. But unless the Commanders find a viable alternative, or do the right thing with Luvu and switch him back to being a primarily off-ball presence, they might have to offer another one-year agreement.
The six-time All-Pro counts $9 million against the salary cap this season. Peters would no doubt like that number to come down if Wagner stays. He's still a force in between the tackles, as evidenced by his 131 tackles and three sacks through 13 games, but the perennial Pro Bowler also needs more help around him than ever.
Despite his locker room influence and close connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's a situation that could go either way. There is also a chance Wagner either retires or looks for a legitimate contender to end his playing journey. There is just no telling for sure right now.
Wagner is professional enough to keep his focus on Washington's final four games and worry about the rest later. The Commanders need all the help they can get right now, and the looming offseason changes should be enough to keep urgency high. Even though there is nothing to play for, gaining some respectability is essential.
For the Commanders to achieve this objective, Wagner must be at the forefront. He's the defensive linchpin everyone looks to for inspiration. That might be a damning indictment of the current state of affairs, but it is what it is at this point.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with Wagner. But nothing is off the table right now.