The Washington Commanders are leaving no stone unturned. A miraculous single-season turnaround took them to the NFC Championship Game, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, they’re already making aggressive moves this offseason to build an even stronger team for 2025.
First, a trade for Deebo Samuel should bolster their wide receiver depth and give Daniels an elite target alongside Terry McLaurin. But with the defense needing upgrades, they’ve made another major move — bringing back Bobby Wagner.
Bobby Wagner Returning to the Washington Commanders
With Dan Quinn taking over as head coach in 2024, the Commanders needed to establish a new identity, and Wagner was the perfect fit. Given their history from Quinn’s time as Seattle’s defensive coordinator, there was already a level of familiarity.
An 11-time All-Pro selection, Wagner remains incredibly valuable even at 35. For a Washington defense that finished just outside the league’s top half last season, his presence will be crucial in balancing the team’s explosive offensive production.
Last year, Wagner played a key role in Washington’s success, earning a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors while racking up 132 tackles. The new ownership group, led by Magic Johnson, rewarded his efforts with a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million.
Jordan Schultz broke the news, announcing Wagner’s new contract with the Commanders.
Breaking: Bobby Wagner is re-signing with the #Commanders, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
It’s a 1-year deal worth up to $9.5M. pic.twitter.com/7EXFyZPul9
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 6, 2025
This is one of Washington’s first defensive moves of the offseason — but likely not the last. With the league’s sixth-ranked offense last season, according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric, that side of the ball is already elite.
However, improving a defense that ranked 17th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric remains a top priority. A midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore last year was a step in the right direction. Another key addition, and Washington could suddenly emerge as a true Super Bowl contender.
Wagner, who has $8 million of his $9.5 million deal guaranteed, will play a major role in that transformation. Last season, he also signed a one-year deal, but at a lower price — just $6.5 million.