At the conclusion of the 2025 season, theWashington Commanderswere facing a massive wave of impending free agents ahead of the March 11 opening of the market. In total, 40 players were set to become free agents. Since then, theCommandershave brought back 17 of those players; six have landed contracts elsewhere, and 17 are still without a deal.
One of the remaining available free agents is linebacker Bobby Wagner. NFL analysts and experts have tried to figure out the best landing spots for the remaining top free agents, including Wagner. In a recent ESPN article by Matt Bowen, Wagner appears tofit bestwith theJacksonville Jaguars.
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Wagner's 9.5 tackles per game ranked sixth overall in 2025, showing he can still key quickly and rack up run stops. He does have limitations in coverage at this stage of his career, which Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile would have to manage.
However, as an early-down defender, Wagner could potentially take on the role next to Foyesade Oluokun. Devin Lloyd, who was a mainstay on Jacksonville's second level, signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Panthers this offseason.
If any team could benefit from Wagner's veteran leadership and production, it's the Jaguars. In 2025, their leading tackler was linebacker Foyesade Oluokun with 143 tackles. The next player behind him was safety Andrew Wingard with 84 tackles. And this was with Devin Lloyd. Jacksonville saw Lloyd depart in free agency this offseason and needs a replacement. While the current version of Wagner lacks Lloyd's athleticism, he could bring to Jacksonville in 2026 what he brought to Washington in 2024.
Bobby Wagner could be a difference-maker in Jacksonville, even at his age. His presence, veteran experience, and quality character are all reasons to want Wagner on your team. For the Jags, adding his production would be huge. Wagner has 2,000 tackles over his career, an average of almost 143 tackles per season. He may not be the player he once was, but he still has some gas left in the tank and could very well help a Jacksonville linebacking corps that is slim in depth and production.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire:Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner's 'best fit' is with AFC contender