Bobby Wagner is looking for a new deal this offseason.
Bobby Wagner wasted little time in spearheading the Washington Commanders' exceptional culture shift in 2024. He was named as a first Pro Bowl alternate and shows no signs of slowing down despite his advancing years. A new contract should be on the table if he wants to prolong his glittering NFL journey.
Nothing is set in stone just yet. It would be surprising if Wagner didn't re-sign with the Commanders, but anything can happen in the NFL. General manager Adam Peters would be wise to form contingency plans if an agreement cannot be reached with the perennial All-Pro linebacker.
Peters is a smart guy. He's done a remarkable job in his first year as Washington's front-office leader. He never leaves anything to chance and always keeps the bigger picture in mind. Not having Wagner would be a blow, but the Commanders can soften it by taking advantage of their newfound coveted destination status around the league.
Commanders could target Tyrel Dodson if Bobby Wagner doesn't re-sign
Matt Holder from The Bleacher Report highlighted a risky backup plan for the Commanders if Wagner doesn't re-sign. The analyst touted Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson as a potential option despite bouncing around two teams this season.
"If Bobby Wagner doesn't get re-signed in the offseason, Washington will be looking for some linebacker help. Also, Frankie Luvu is more of a pass-rusher on third downs, so the defense could use a backer who is good in coverage to complement Luvu. The sample size is small with [Tyrel] Dodson, as he only has 25 career starts in five seasons heading into this past weekend, but he does have a decent track record when it comes to defending the pass. With Buffalo in 2023, he started 10 games and posted an 88.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, and he's earned a mark of 73.1 while playing for two teams this fall."Matt Holder, The Bleacher Report
Dodson's progress since entering the league is a curious case. He looked like a potential long-term option for the Buffalo Bills once upon a time, going over 100 tackles before leaving in the offseason. The upside is there, especially from a coverage standpoint, but this represents a significant downgrade on Wagner all things considered.
The Commanders could look to someone like Dodson even if Wagner does secure another short-term deal. They don't have much depth at the defensive second level behind the starting duo. Much will depend on Jordan Magee's development this offseason, but adding a more experienced understudy wouldn't be the world idea in the world.
Everything is on the table right now. Nothing can or should be dismissed as Peters looks to find the players capable of surging the Commanders into legitimate Super Bowl contention.
Not every signing is going to be a star name. Even so, adding dependable backups and rotational guys is equally as important.
In an ideal world, Wagner will give it another year and the Commanders could potentially draft his successor. But don't be surprised if a player like Dodson also comes under the microscope if the likes of Mykal Walker or sixth-round rookie Dominique Hampton don't return.
