This would be the best possible outcome.
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The Washington Commanders made a plethora of new signings throughout a frenetic offseason under general manager Adam Peters. None could be more important in the short term than Bobby Wagner.
Linking back up with two of his former coaches - Dan Quinn and Ken Norton Jr. - was enough to convince Wagner this was a project worth being part of. The Commanders needed a high-caliber presence to legitimize their ambitious plans for progress. This is exactly that.
Wagner wasted no time in imposing himself over early offseason workouts. The perennial All-Pro linebacker raised standards in practice quickly. His previous knowledge of Quinn's schematic concepts from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks helped everyone get on the same page. The former second-round selection was also assisting Washington's offensive linemen with tells he could spot pre-snap - something that blew emerging right guard Sam Cosmi's mind.
Commanders gained instant credibility with Bobby Wagner signing
Washington franchise legend London Fletcher is a big fan of the acquisition based on comments via Fan Nation. The four-time Pro Bowler compared his late arrival to the nation's capital as an example Wagner should emulate with minimal fuss. Something that can hopefully bring similar success when it's all said and done.
"Man, you talk about instant credibility. What a difference a year makes in terms of where our linebackers were last year, as you mentioned, one of the worst in the league and then this year, number one by some people, Bobby [Wagner], future Hall of Famer, perennial Pro Bowler, perennial All Pro, he still brings playmaking ability even at 34 years old. He reminds me of myself when I made the transition to D.C., I was 32 years old when I signed with Washington. Just bringing him in there first and foremost for his leadership. He's a great leader. He's been on great defenses. He knows how to run the system that (head coach) Dan Quinn wants to run…And he's still a high-level playmaker."
- London Fletcher via Fan Nation
This might be nothing more than a one-year arrangement between Wagner and the Commanders, but the potential benefits are enormous. His career-high tackle campaign with the Seahawks in 2023 indicates there is a lot of good football left in the tank. The player's leadership within the locker room is another integral part of his role.
Wagner should command instant respect. Veterans and younger players should be seeking his counsel constantly in pursuit of improvement. Frankie Luvu's already commented on how beneficial his teammate's been during their opening introductions. If a player set to potentially enter the elite category in 2024 isn't proud enough to ask for help, others must follow his lead.
The Utah State product is one of the game's greats. Washington hasn't had many of them to call upon in recent years. They must make the most of it to finally get this once-proud organization off the canvas and back among the postseason challengers.
If Wagner goes on to achieve half of Fletcher's accomplishments - albeit in a much shorter timeframe - this will be an outstanding piece of business. The positive impact should also be felt long after the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer is gone.
