Bobby Wagner’s storied career will take a new turn in 2024, as the veteran linebacker is signing with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, citing a source. Rapoport adds that Wagner’s contract includes $6 million guaranteed.

Wagner’s move to the East Coast marks a notable shift in his career trajectory and reunites him with his former defensive coordinator in Seattle, head coach Dan Quinn. The longtime Seahawk ventured south to his hometown of Los Angeles for a one-year stint with the defending Super Bowl champions, but as the Rams’ fortunes unraveled, it became clear that Wagner wouldn’t want to remain, leading him to re-sign with Seattle in 2023.

Regime changes in both Seattle and Washington have prompted Wagner to explore new options. He’s heading to the nation’s capital to play for Quinn, who directed Seattle’s league-best defense during its run to consecutive Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2014, including a victory over the high-powered Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wagner was a pivotal part of those defenses, ascending to star status and earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2014, his first of six total selections.

With new coach Mike Macdonald now at the helm in Seattle, it was time for a change, and Wagner is heading to the East Coast to play for a coach he knows intimately. At 33 years old, it’s fair to wonder if this might be his last hurrah, but after yet another Pro Bowl and All-Pro (second team) season, he has yet to show legitimate reason to retire.

Moreover, he has new business to handle: Wagner will suit up for a Commanders defense that will feature a number of new faces after an active offseason that has included the signings of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and safety Jeremy Chinn.

Wagner will arrive with plenty of wisdom to impart to his new teammates as part of Washington’s turnaround efforts under Quinn.

By Vincent Quezada

Photo courtesy of AP/ Lindsey Wasson

Stats from NFL