Bobby Wagner was a cornerstone for the Washington Commanders during their deep playoff run in 2024. His leadership, football IQ, and physicality between the tackles were instrumental in stabilizing a defense that punched above its weight.
But in 2025, the wear and tear of a decade-plus in the league started to show. Wagner still brought the thunder in the run game, but teams began singling him out in coverage-and with success.
Now, as the Commanders head into another offseason full of transition, the writing's on the wall: it might be time for both sides to move on.
Wagner, who turns 36 this offseason, faces a crossroads. Retirement is certainly on the table. But if he’s got one more year in him, he’ll have suitors-and one team that makes a lot of sense is Buffalo.
Could Wagner Fit in Buffalo?
According to Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron, Wagner’s value in free agency might surprise some folks. While he’s clearly not the elite coverage linebacker he once was, he’s still a highly productive run defender and can bring pressure as a blitzer. That’s exactly the kind of presence the Bills could use.
Let’s talk numbers. In 2025, Buffalo ranked 28th in rushing success rate allowed (33.1%).
Their linebackers were a big part of that struggle, posting the second-worst negatively graded run-play rate in the league at 27.3%. That’s not going to cut it for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
The Bills' linebacker room could look very different soon. Both Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson are entering the final years of their deals. Bringing in a savvy veteran like Wagner to help reset the tone on defense could be a smart bridge move-especially if they’re looking to retool rather than rebuild.
Wagner wouldn’t be asked to carry the load. With Milano still under contract, Wagner could slide into a more specialized role-something that plays to his current strengths.
Think early downs, leadership in the locker room, and a stabilizing force in the middle of the field. For a team trying to stay in the championship conversation, that’s valuable.
What It Means for Washington
As for the Commanders, this feels like the natural end of the road. Wagner gave them everything he had-veteran savvy, toughness, and a presence that helped elevate the defense during a playoff run. But the team needs to get younger, faster, and more versatile on that side of the ball.
Frankie Luvu, who was forced into more of an edge role this past season, needs to move back off the ball where he’s more effective. Rookie Jordan Magee showed flashes when given the opportunity and should be in line for a bigger role in 2026. And with GM Adam Peters expected to be aggressive in both free agency and the draft, reinforcements are coming.
Wagner’s time in Washington may be done, but his impact won’t be forgotten. He brought professionalism and poise to a team that needed it.
If he decides to lace up the cleats for one more year, he could still help a contender. And if this is the end?
He walks away with a résumé worthy of Canton.
Either way, the Commanders are turning the page-and Wagner, one way or another, is heading into the next chapter.