Bobby Wagner, the veteran linebacker for the Washington Commanders and one of only three players in NFL history with over 2,000 career tackles, has announced his intention to play his 15th season in the league in 2026. This was revealed in a post on X by Jordan Schultz, confirming that despite entering free agency, Wagner aims to remain active on an NFL roster next year.
Sources: #Commanders 11-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, fully intends to continue playing for a 15th NFL season in 2026. The future Hall of Famer started all 17 games again this past season, recording 162 tackles, 2 INTs, and 4.5 sacks — and is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Jordan Schultz, reporter
Wagner’s Performance Remains Elite on Defense
In the 2025 season, Wagner displayed strong defensive prowess, particularly against the run. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he earned a 90.3 run-defense grade, ranking fifth among 88 qualifying linebackers. While his pass coverage grade was less impressive at 52.3, placing him 49th, his overall impact on defense was significant.
The Commanders, however, seek to inject youth and speed into their defense, which may result in Wagner not returning to Washington. His availability in free agency is attracting attention from other teams in need of a formidable middle linebacker.
Potential Shift to the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are widely considered the most suitable destination for Wagner should he leave the Commanders. The Cowboys’ defense struggled in 2025, especially against the run, leading to the mid-season acquisition of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Despite this addition, Dallas ranked 28th in EPA per play allowed on designed runs and gave up the seventh-most yards per carry.
Difficulties stopping the run this past season led to the trade that sent Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys,
Mason Cameron explained.
Although the massive defensive tackle alleviated some of those issues, the Cowboys still finished 28th in EPA per play allowed on designed runs and surrendered the seventh-most yards per carry on average. Adding Wagner — who has earned a 90.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of his past four seasons — to the middle of this defense would go a long way toward amplifying the entire unit.
Mason Cameron, analyst
The addition of Wagner could revitalize Dallas’s defense significantly, giving the team a key veteran presence in the middle. His move there could also motivate the Commanders to reconsider their stance, as losing him to a divisional rival gearing up for a Super Bowl run could be a major setback in Washington’s rebuilding process.
Wagner’s Experience and Leadership Remain Valuable
As a 15-year NFL veteran and potential future Hall of Famer, Wagner brings unmatched experience and leadership to any defense. His ability to consistently deliver elite run defense merits strong interest from multiple franchises. Whether he continues with the Commanders or joins a new team, Wagner is poised to remain a dominant force on the field well into his next season.
Sources: #Commanders 11-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, fully intends to continue playing for a 15th NFL season in 2026.
The future Hall of Famer started all 17 games again this past season, recording 162 tackles, 2 INTs and 4.5… pic.twitter.com/2tga7j2li8
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 24, 2026
