Commanders face gut-wrenching decision as Bobby Wagner shows his hand

Bobby Wagner remained a strong presence on and off the field for the Washington Commanders in 2025. But for the first time in his future Pro Football Hall of Fame career, age was finally starting to catch up to the veteran linebacker.

Most fans expected Wagner to consider retirement this offseason. The newly crowned Walter Payton Man of the Year no doubt contemplated the possibility, given he'll be 36 when the campaign begins. But the six-time All-Pro made a strong statement as head coaches and general managers descended on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Wagner fully intends to be back for a 15th season, where he will build on his 2,000 career tackles. Whether that'll be in Washington or not is another matter.

Bobby Wagner wants to play in 2026, but that may not be with the Commanders

Dan Quinn broached the subject when speaking to reporters at the Combine. There is an obvious admiration for Wagner as a person and a player. The head coach didn't rule anything out, but he did acknowledge there were several moving parts in play that will hopefully become clearer in the not-too-distant future.

"We love Wagz [Bobby Wagner], and one of my favorite moments this year was just getting to visit with him after he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year. So proud. We haven't got into the specifics about what's ahead and where we're at with that yet, so that'll be in the days and weeks ahead."

Dan Quinn

Commanders writer Ben Standig is among those who don't think Wagner will return. He doesn't have many good years left, so sticking around through another potential rebuilding campaign might not be as enticing as joining a club with legitimate chances to contend.

Washington also needs to get younger — desperately.

Wagner still got his tackles and was useful on blitzes last season. But he was off the pace in isolation, and his lack of capabilities in coverage was more glaring than ever. The Utah State product has held off Father Time longer than most, but there is no denying that opposing offenses targeted him as a weak link.

Much will depend on the money involved and how new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones sees Wagner as a fit within his new schematic concepts. The player could get interest from elsewhere, too, so he may not want to stick around in Washington even if the club made an offer for one more year.

It could go either way. However, letting Wagner walk after two seasons in Washington seems to be the likeliest outcome, at least from the outside looking in.