“He’s all that I love about football. He’s a tackler, he’s aggressive, he’s tough, he’s smart,” Commanders HC Dan Quinn ran out of praise in 2024 when they signed Bobby Wagner to a 1-year $8.5 million deal. As we move into the 2025 free agency, the coach is faced with a similar scenario. Do they take the linebacker’s increasing age in the equation or not? They received an answer from the NFL analyst.
NBC’s JP Finlay revealed the new condition for signing the LB. While asking the franchise to ignore that he is 34 years old, the analyst said, “$10M is the floor for a new Wagner deal…You gotta throw the age stuff out the window with him.” Well, that seems like a headache for the head coach.
On a new Bobby Wagner contract, @corryjoel says, “$10M is the floor for a new Wagner deal…You gotta throw the age stuff out the window with him.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 21, 2025
Bobby Wagner is a Super Bowl winner. In 2024, he performed well, keeping their defense steady. While the Commanders would have been happy to sign an extension, the price could be the issue. The team wants to rebuild under Dan Quinn. The Eagles thrashed them badly in the NFC Championship 2024 with a 55-23 score. Moreover, they are 3rd in the league with a $75 million cap space.
One thing is certain. If they don’t sign a deal, other teams are ready to step in. In 17 games (all starters) of the 2024 season, he recorded 1 fumble, 2 sacks, 132 tackles (75 solo) and 8 QB hits. Even in the 3 postseason games, he recorded 0.5 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 25 tackles (12 solo).
Pro Football Focus claimed on February 5 that Bobby Wagner could change teams and land at the LA Rams in the 2025 season. Dan Quinn would not like that to happen. However, there is a wave of changes as free agency will hit on March 12.
Dan Quinn eyeing a premier linebacker
There is one combination that lands perfectly in the league. The Browns LB and 2023 DPOY, Myles Garrett, announced his intention to get out of the franchise. His aim is clear. Sign with a Super Bowl-winning team. The Commanders are the perfect answer. Playing with a rookie QB and a new head coach, they surprised everyone by reaching the NFC Championship, a first since the 1991 season.
Image credits: Social media, taken from Instagram @Myles Garrett
Dan Quinn is confident of a great season in 2025. After losing the NFC Championship, the HC said, “You dont know who you are as a team until you get some scars, and now we’ve got some.” But they also showed fight and grit in their 2024 season.
The head coach would be happy to sign the premier linebacker. But they are keeping their options open. Khalil Mack might be becoming a free agent and departing from LA Chargers. They have another option in the Super Bowl winner Josh Sweat, who might leave the Eagles. These two are other primary targets that could strengthen the Commanders’ defense.
Fans are definitely looking forward to the QB-HC duo. It’s also a mystery if they could repeat the last year’s success or not.
The post $10M Headache for Dan Quinn as NFL Agent Tells Commanders to Dismiss Bobby Wagner’s Age Concerns in New Contract Talks appeared first on EssentiallySports.
