The Washington Commanders needed to get younger and faster this offseason, especially on defense. Ohio State product Sonny Styles is both, but stealing him at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft closes the door on one era for good.
And for Bobby Wagner, it may even push him closer to retirement.
Wagner was a marquee addition to the Commanders in 2024 free agency. It represented a strong statement of intent, and he played a significant role in shifting the culture overnight.
Door officially closes on Bobby Wagner return after Commanders draft Sonny Styles
The Commanders reached the NFC Championship game in head coach Dan Quinn's first season. Wagner was sensational, earning second-team All-Pro honors and another one-year stay in Washington. Unfortunately, things didn't go nearly as well last time around.
The former Utah State standout remains a force in between the tackles. Despite his advancing years, Wagner also remained strong as a blitzer. But in isolation, he became a growing liability. This was especially evident in coverage, something opposing teams targeted with great success.
Wagner was out of contract this offseason, but no offer was forthcoming. The Commanders have Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. They gave Leo Chenal a decent contract to prise him from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. That didn't prevent them from drafting Styles when he fell into their laps, which all but ended the 10-time Pro Bowler's time with the franchise.
What the future holds for Wagner is unclear. The Walter Payton Man of the Year wants to keep playing. He believes there is one more good year left before riding off into the sunset. But the longer he's on the proverbial scrapheap, the less likely it appears.
Perhaps things will become clearer after the draft. A contending team looking for a linebacker could do far worse than call Wagner. And if they insulate him correctly, allowing him to play to his strengths, he could be productive.
That won't be in Washington. Styles is the man now.
He's got the explosiveness, versatility, intelligence, and mindset to fill the void. Father Time catches up to everyone in the end. Wagner's fought it off better than most, but it's clear the end is near.
The Commanders wouldn't have gotten where they did in 2024 without Wagner. He'll be remembered fondly in Washington. And if this does become the final act of his first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame career, he can have no regrets whatsoever.
Nothing lasts forever. And now, Styles is the alpha.
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