ASHBURN, VA – MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmet on display during a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders have further bolstered their new-look defense by adding a future Hall of Famer and perennial Pro Bowler to the list.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are signing Seattle Seahawks legend and linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal worth $6 million in guaranteed money. The contract carries a max value of $8.5 million.
Sources: #Seahawks
perennial Pro Bowler and All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner is signing with the #Commanders on a 1-year deal worth a max value of $8.5M, a deal that includes $6M in guarantees.Dan Quinn was with Wagner a decade ago in Seattle, now they’re back. A splash for Washington. pic.twitter.com/QPcsF0y9mt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
Quinn and Wagner worked together in the Pacific Northwest for two seasons (2013 and 2014), with the former employed as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator. The Seahawks won Super Bowl 48 in the 2013 campaign and narrowly fell short of a repeat the following year, losing to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49.
Wagner played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021 before he was released in a cap-saving move. He joined the Los Angeles Rams on a five-year deal in 2022 free agency, spending one year on the west coast before being released.
From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Commanders land All-Pro and Pro Bowl LB Bobby Wagner, a huge addition to their defense. pic.twitter.com/0PzArtsgXx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
The future Canton member returned to Seattle last season, and he went on to earn his ninth Pro Bowl and fourth Second-team All-Pro selection.
Washington has been one of the busiest teams thus far in 2024 free agency, having also signed defensive end Dorance Armstrong, linebacker Frankie Luvu, center Tyler Biadasz, running back Austin Ekeler, safety Jeremy Chinn, guard Nick Allegretti and quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Now, they have the best linebacker of his generation joining a roster that already looks miles better than the 2023 group.