Grading the Commanders latest four moves including Bobby Wagner signing
By Dean Jones
Commanders signed Bobby Wagner
The Washington Commanders pulled another rabbit out of the hat by signing Bobby Wagner. This was seen as a major coup for the franchise - one that instantly legitimized their ambitious plans under Adam Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn.
Wagner might be 34 years old when the 2024 campaign begins, but his production remains exceptional. He earned a ninth Pro Bowl selection last season after securing a phenomenal 183 tackles. Providing there is no significant drop-off, this is an outstanding piece of business from the Commanders.
The former second-round pick's one-year deal comes with $6 million guaranteed and could reach $8.5 million with incentives. That's not top-level money for such a productive linebacker. It's clear reuniting with Quinn factored heavily into the equation, which is in keeping with how Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn came to Washington from the Carolina Panthers.
There is a lot to like about Wagner's fit in DC. He's supremely intelligent, inspires others around him, and impacts the game in all phases with ruthless consistency. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer's leadership on and off the field is something else that has the scope to benefit greatly.
Grade: A
Wagner showed no signs of slowing down last season. Placing him next to Luvu, Jamin Davis, and potentially Chinn comes with mouth-watering potential attached. The Commanders have done more in three days to improve their fortunes at the defensive second level than Ron Rivera managed in four years.