"The Washington Commanders wouldn't have gotten to the NFC Championship game in 2024 without veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. But the cracks began to show this time around. Wagner was still a force in between the tackles, but opposing teams actively targeted him as a weak link in isolation with great success. With wholesale changes expected once again this offseason, it may be a good time for both parties to go their separate ways."
"[Bobby] Wagner is another high-performing veteran whose market is worth watching. Although Wagner, at nearly 36 years old, isn't near the player in coverage he once was, he still excels as a run defender and a blitzer. The Bills struggled to fit the run in 2025, ranking 28th in rushing success rate (33.1%) allowed. Their linebacking corps was a contributing factor, as the group's 27.3% negatively graded run-play rate ranked 30th."
Bobby Wagner remained an interior force who helped the Commanders reach the 2024 NFC Championship but showed clear vulnerabilities in isolated coverage situations. Opponents targeted Wagner with consistent success, exposing a decline in his coverage ability despite continued run-defense and blitzing effectiveness. The Commanders face another offseason of major changes and should prioritize getting younger and more explosive across the defense rather than retaining Wagner for another season. The Buffalo Bills present a potential landing spot as they seek linebacker upgrades, given run-defense struggles and impending contract expirations for key veterans.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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