Andrew Buller-Russ
The Washington Commanders‘ defense will have a drastically different look next season. After ranking 27th in points allowed, it only makes sense to shake things up in D.C.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters has added talent at every level of the defense. On the line, he managed to get Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, Tim Settle, and Charles Omenihu under contract. At linebacker, the Commanders snatched Leo Chenal away from the Kansas City Chiefs. In the secondary, Washington got Ahkello Witherspoon, Amik Robertson, and Nick Cross.
Yet, they may not be done.
One player who has not been brought back is future Hall of Fame middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, whose contract has expired. Though, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn would certainly be open to negotiating another contract with the six-time All-Pro defender.
“We would never shut the door on him,” Quinn said Saturday, via John Keim of ESPN. “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position,”
The Commanders also have Frankie Luvu, 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Magee, and 2025 sixth-round pick Kain Medrano. Magee and Medrano are likely the players Quinn is referring to, as those who could “take off.”
Wagner started all 17 games for the Commanders last season, where he recorded 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and two interceptions. Now 35 years old, Wagner appears to still have at least one more good season in him, and it could take place in Washington.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March Edition
