Commanders LB Bobby Wagner makes decision on his future

Will Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner return for a 15th NFL season in 2026? According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Wagner fully intends to play in 2026.

But it may not be with the Commanders. Wagner, who turns 36 in June, is an unrestricted free agent next month. In two seasons with Washington, Wagner has started all 34 regular-season games, recorded 294 tackles, including 18 for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and 17 quarterback hits. He's rarely left the field.

While it's clear Wagner can still play at a high level, opposing teams often targeted him in coverage with success. The Commanders were one of the NFL's worst defenses last season, struggling in almost every aspect. Wagner remained productive, though, making history in Week 18 when he recorded his 2,000th career tackle. He became only the third player in NFL history to achieve that honor, joining Ray Lewis and London Fletcher.

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

General manager Adam Peters made it clear in his season-ending press conference that the Commanders needed to get "younger and faster." Washington values Wagner's on-field play, but especially appreciates his leadership on and off the field.

Head coach Dan Quinn briefly spoke on Wagner Tuesday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

"We love Wagz, and one of my favorite moments this year was just getting a chance to visit with him after he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award," Quinn said. "So proud. We haven't gotten into the specifics of what's ahead and where we're at with that, but that'll be in the days and weeks ahead."

Dan Quinn on Bobby Wagner: We love Wagz…We will see what happens over next few weeks pic.twitter.com/Z8SG5yH58w

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 24, 2026

Free agency opens in two weeks and, per Spotrac, Wagner has a $7.7 million value for 2026. The Commanders have plenty of cap space, so it will be intriguing if they value everything Wagner brings over the desire to get younger.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner makes a decision for 2026