Tag: Bobby Wagner

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was outstanding for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The future Hall of Famer recorded 132 tackles en route to helping the Commanders shockingly qualify for the NFC Championship Game. Wagner is now scheduled to reach free agency for a fourth consecutive offseason.

Wagner played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021. He then joined the rival Los Angeles Rams for a season after being released from his contract in Seattle. Wagner reunited with the Seahawks in 2023 before joining the Commanders in 2024.

Pro Football Focus is projecting Wagner to rejoin the Rams via free agency. We’re not sure we can handle that again!

“The Rams are quite familiar with the mercenary linebacker, as they’ve seen him ball out for this defense in 2022, where Wagner earned an impressive 90.7 overall grade (at 32 years old),” Mason Cameron wrote. “Los Angeles finds itself in need of both help at linebacker – only have Omar Speights under contract next season – and veteran leadership to help develop this young and talented defense.”

The Rams could enter the market for a veteran off-ball linebacker after trading Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans last offseason. Of course, Jones eventually ended up in Seattle, where he’d help transform Mike Macdonald’s defense down the stretch. Jones and/or Wagner could be targets for the Rams via free agency. The Seahawks should attempt to prevent that from happening.

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Who is one free agent the Commanders cannot afford to lose?

The Commanders have a lot of free agents.

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters will have another busy offseason. Last year, Peters just took the job and immediately began flipping Washington’s roster, signing over 20 free agents in the spring and nine draft picks.

This year, Peters’ job is different. He will use Washington’s salary cap room to build a potential Super Bowl roster around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. But before Peters looks elsewhere, he must determine which of the Commanders’ 31 free agents he wants to retain in 2025.

Some of the more notable Washington free agents are linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, safety Jeremy Chinn, punter Tress Way and wide receiver Dyami Brown. Ertz let it be known he wants to keep playing and in Washington.

What about Wagner? Many believe he’ll return for a 14th season in 2025. Will that be with the Commanders?

Pro Football Focus recently revealed one free agent for every NFL team that it cannot afford to lose. Wagner was the choice for Washington.

If Wagner is willing to give it a go for another year, the Commanders shouldn’t hesitate to let him. The ageless wonder has had another incredible season, boasting an 88.3 PFF overall grade that ranks third among qualified linebackers. He is the leader of the Commanders’ defense — and its best player — and his departure would be a huge loss for the team.

You could debate Wagner being Washington’s best defensive player. That honor likely goes to fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu, but Wagner is still excellent, even if he has lost a step.

You could make the same argument for Ertz. Both 34 and outstanding locker-room leaders, Ertz and Wagner proved they could play at a high level. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn know a lot of faces will change next season, so they want to keep that “brotherhood” in the locker room. Wagner and Ertz played a significant part in helping rebuild the culture in only one year.

So, while they were great on the field, they were even better in the locker room, and that’s why Wagner (and Ertz) will likely be back for another run in Washington.

 

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin to skip 2025 Pro Bowl

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is opting to skip the 2025 Pro Bowl.

The Washington Commanders’ season ended in ugly fashion on Sunday with a 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After obliterating all expectations in 2024, the Commanders had high hopes that their season would continue to the Super Bowl, but it simply wasn’t meant to be this year.

Despite their season being over, three Commanders’ players were selected to participate in the 2025 Pro Bowl: Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels, and Bobby Wagner. On Tuesday, Daniels announced that he would join McLaurin in skipping the Pro Bowl this year.

As indicated in the tweet, neither player has a specific injury, but both need a break. For Daniels, his body is used to the collegiate schedule, which is much shorter than the professional schedule, and it’s likely he does need to rest. His replacement is Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. McLaurin’s replacement is Seattle Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

As of this writing, Bobby Wagner is still set to appear in the 2025 Pro Bowl this weekend. Festivities are set to kick off on January 30 with the skill competitions.

It’s not unheard of for players to skip the Pro Bowl without an injury. It is a meaningless game that risks injury to the healthiest of players. The game has eased up dramatically in recent years, but many players feel the risk outweighs any benefits, so it’s not uncommon for players to skip these appearances.

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It’s official: Commanders LB Bobby Wagner is heading to his 10th Pro Bowl

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner is headed to his 10th Pro Bowl.

Super Bowl LIX is set, which means next week’s Pro Bowl Games rosters are also set. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin will represent the Washington Commanders in Orlando, Florida.

With the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, a linebacker spot opened up and Bobby Wagner will join Daniels and McLaurin in Orlando. Originally named a first-alternate, this will be Wagner’s 10th Pro Bowl in his 13-year NFL career.

Wagner finished his first season in Washington with 132 tackles, including 10 for loss, two sacks, four passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He went over 100 tackles for the 13th consecutive season, tying London Fletcher’s NFL record. Fletcher, of course, is a Washington legend and a current Commanders’ broadcaster.

The Commanders are coming off their best season since 1991, going 12-5 in the regular season and winning two road playoff games before losing to the Eagles in the NFC championship game.

Wagner’s impact went far beyond what he produced on the field, as he was a central figure in head coach Dan Quinn’s mission to change the franchise’s culture. The plan worked out well for everyone involved.

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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Bobby Wagner leads Commanders in tackles, as PHI leads 27-15 in first half

Bobby Wagner leads Commanders in tackles, as PHI leads 27-15 in first half

Former Seattle Seahawk legend Bobby Wagner is competing to get back to his third Super Bowl, but the odds seem to be against him. We are in halftime between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game, and Philly leads 27-12 at the intermission.

Wagner himself is doing all he can to help Washington’s struggling defense, which has had little effect against the Eagles’ dynamic offense. So far, the future Hall of Famer is leading the Commanders’ defense with five total tackles. Still, Wagner’s efforts have yielded little results, especially when it comes to Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley.

Barkley has run rampant over Washington, already at 85 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns… including one on his very first carry, and Philly’s first play from scrimmage. Unfortunately, Wagner could have been in a clear position to make a play on Barkley, but he got tangled up with his own defensive linemen.

The Eagles will get the ball to start the third quarter. Head coach Dan Quinn – Seattle’s former defensive coordinator during their own Super Bowl years – will need to come up with incredible half time adjustments to get back in the big game.

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Commanders linebackers ranked as best among conference championship teams

The Commanders’ linebackers are the best among the remaining teams.

The Washington Commanders are gearing up for an NFC Championship Game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the AFC, meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are taking on the Buffalo Bills. Of the four teams playing in conference championship games, the Commanders are easily the most surprising entry.

The team has reached this point for several reasons, perhaps none more important than rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. Daniels has surpassed every expectation as a rookie quarterback and appears to be only getting better.

Recently, Jim Wyman of PFF identified the best position groups among teams that are in conference championship games. Wyman listed the Commanders’ linebackers as the best unit among the four teams.

Regarding the Commanders’ linebacker unit, Wyman offered the following:

Bobby Wagner continues to deny Father Time, earning an 88.3 PFF overall grade to rank third among linebackers. Frankie Luvu has also been a reliable option for the Commanders, sporting a 65.3 PFF overall grade. Depth may be a concern, though, as Washington‘s other three linebackers have a combined 109 snaps between them.

Bobby Wagner’s 2024 season has been nothing short of incredible. The LB has racked up 16 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery so far in the playoffs.

Luvu has been another great addition. The former New York Jet and Carolina Panther has racked up 13 tackles in two playoff games.

During the regular season, Wagner and Luvu combined for 231 tackles, 10 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 11 pass deflections. As Wyman noted, the depth isn’t great, but these two veterans are as solid as they come.

Commanders vs. Eagles: Thursday injury report ahead of NFC championship

The second injury report of the week is out ahead of the NFC championship.

The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles were back on the practice field Thursday, ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship game.

Four players missed practice for Washington. One of those is right guard Sam Cosmi, who will soon be placed on season-ending injured reserve. Cosmi suffered an ACL injury in last week’s win over the Detroit Lions.

Third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel, defensive tackle Daron Payne, and linebacker Bobby Wagner also missed Thursday’s practice. Remember, Wagner missed multiple practices last week and played against Detroit. There’s no way he will miss this game. As for Payne, he injured his finger two weeks ago in Tampa but is now listed as having a knee injury.

Here’s Washington’s injury report:

As for the Eagles, all eyes are on quarterback Jalen Hurts. He was on the practice field Thursday. Hurts injured his knee in Sunday’s win over the Rams.

Something to monitor for the Eagles is center Cam Jurgens. Left guard Landon Dickerson took snaps at center with Tyler Steen at left guard. Dickerson played center at Alabama. However, it appears precautionary as head coach Nick Sirianni indicated Jurgens would practice.

We will update the Eagles’ full injury report once they make it available.

Commanders injury updates: Latest news ahead of NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders had Bobby Wagner and Daron Payne miss practice ahead of the NFC Championship game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

The Commanders wrapped up a Thursday practice ahead of Sunday’s NFC title game and had multiple key starters listed as limited or nonparticipants.

Running back Jeremy McNichols (hand) was a full practice participant, while wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) was limited in practice.

Washington tight end Ben Sinnott (shoulder) was limited, while center Tyler Biadasz (ankle) practiced fully.

Defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee/finger) did not practice, along with Bobby Wagner, but linebacker Frankie Luvu was listed as limited with a shoulder injury.