Will Bobby Wagner suit up for a 15th NFL season in 2026? According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Wagner is all in for another year on the gridiron. However, it might not be with the Washington Commanders.
Wagner, turning 36 in June, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Over the past two seasons with Washington, he's been a mainstay on the field, starting all 34 regular-season games.
His impressive stats include 294 tackles, 18 of those for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, and 17 quarterback hits. Wagner's presence has been undeniable.
Yet, while Wagner continues to perform at a high level, opposing teams have found some success targeting him in coverage. The Commanders' defense, unfortunately, struggled overall last season, ranking among the league's worst. Despite these challenges, Wagner made history in Week 18 by recording his 2,000th career tackle, joining the elite company of Ray Lewis and London Fletcher.
Commanders' general manager, Adam Peters, emphasized the need for the team to become "younger and faster" during his season-ending press conference. While Washington greatly values Wagner's contributions on the field, his leadership qualities are equally prized.
Head coach Dan Quinn shared his admiration for Wagner at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, saying, "We love Wagz, and one of my favorite moments this year was just getting a chance to visit with him after he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. So proud. We haven't gotten into the specifics of what's ahead and where we're at with that, but that'll be in the days and weeks ahead."
With free agency opening in two weeks, Wagner's market value is pegged at $7.7 million for 2026, according to Spotrac. The Commanders have ample cap space, so the decision will hinge on whether they prioritize Wagner's veteran presence and leadership over a youthful overhaul. Fans will be watching closely to see if Wagner's journey continues in Washington or takes a new turn.