When Bobby Wagner was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, his first playoff victory was against the team now known as the Washington Commanders. As he heads into his 14th season in what is sure to be a Hall of Fame career, the legendary line backer is preparing for another season with the rising Commanders.
Although the team officially announced the move on Friday, reports surfaced on Thursday that Wagner had agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million. According to The Athletic, he is guaranteed $8 million as part of the contract.
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After spending the 2023 season back with the Seahawks, Bobby Wagner reunited with his former defensive coordinator and current Commanders head coach, Dan Quinn, by signing an $8.5 million deal with Washington, which includes $6 million in guarantees. While the Commanders’ defense struggled overall, Wagner continued to shine, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors for the fourth straight season and leading the team with 132 tackles, including two sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
However, Wagner isn’t the only linebacker making headlines. Several other high-profile players at the position have secured new contracts in recent days. From Wagner to newly crowned Super Bowl champion Zack Baun, the market has been active with notable signings.
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Baun was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, while Bernard remains a key figure in the Buffalo Bills’ defense. Derrick Barnes, despite missing much of last season due to a serious knee injury, is emerging as a quality line backer. Among this group, Wagner is the only seasoned veteran, while Bernard was the only one set to become an unrestricted free agent.
This all becomes relevant considering the Seahawks have yet to re-sign Ernest Jones IV, one of the top linebackers expected to hit the market. When PFF projected contracts, they underestimated both Baun and Wagner’s deals by a few million dollars. Their projection for Jones sits around $12 million per year, which is over $3 million more annually than Jordyn Brooks’ contract with the Miami Dolphins. It’s something to watch as the Seahawks weigh their options.
As for Wagner, his new team, the NFC Championship finalist Commanders, will host the Seahawks during the 2025 regular season, setting up another matchup against his former team.
