General manager Adam Peters has a huge offseason ahead. Some big decisions are needed to get the Washington Commanders from a respectable mark into legitimate contention. Fans can relax safe in the knowledge they have the right man leading the front-office operation.
There will be changes. Big ones. Some choices will be more difficult than others. An NFL analyst believes one, in particular, is a no-brainer that should be made at the earliest possible opportunity.
Bobby Wagner's arrival in free agency represented a major statement of intent by the Commanders. He's one of the league's most revered players, highly respected by teammates, coaches, and opposing players alike. He's a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and among the all-time great linebackers with a previous successful working connection to head coach Dan Quinn.
Wagner's impact was immediate. He spearheaded the Commanders' culture shift, bringing a level of professionalism and purpose to the franchise that was sorely lacking previously. Although the former second-round selection is advancing in years, the on-field production remains exceptional.
The Utah State product went over 100 tackles for the 13th straight season last time out versus the Tennessee Titans. Wagner's passionate speech to the locker room before preparations for the contest began sparked the Commanders into one last positive effort before the bye. This is exactly what Washington had in mind when they penned him to a one-year deal.
NFL analyst believes the Commanders should extend Bobby Wagner immediately
Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report believes the Commanders should make this a longer-term arrangement. The analyst thought tying down Wagner to another extension should be among the team's biggest priorities. He's not getting any younger, but this eradicates a potential off-season need and would allow Peters to focus on other position groups when the recruitment period commences.
"[Bobby] Wagner is 34 years old and will turn 35 in July, but he's still playing at a high level with 99 total tackles heading into this weekend—the 11th-most in the league—while posting an impressive 83.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. Linebacker will be an offseason need for the Commanders if they don't re-sign the 10-time All-Pro, so might as well take care of that now."Matt Holder, Bleacher Report
The Commanders would be wise to keep Wagner around. However, this is dependent on whether he wants to continue his accomplished playing career.
There hasn't been a sign that Wagner is going to hang it up. He's playing well, generating pressure when required, and communicating superbly pre-snap. There are some deficiencies in coverage, but that's to be expected of someone in their career twilight.
This wouldn't be anything more than a one-year extension. Wagner's consistency is renowned, but everyone falls off the proverbial performance cliff at some stage.
Taking things season-by-season is the best course of action. But there's no doubt the veteran's performances and overall contribution warrant another contract at some stage.
Peters made a lot of outstanding signings throughout the offseason. Wagner is right up there with the best. Not just for his stability at the defensive second-level, but for his ability to steer a relatively young group on the right path and preach the importance of what it takes to win in the NFL.
Wagner's efforts during such a pivotal transition for this franchise cannot be overstated. That sort of thing typically gets rewarded when the time comes.