Cowboys and Rams Predicted to Battle for Commanders All-Pro Free Agent

36-year-old linebacker Bobby Wagner could be a key target for both teams in NFL free agency.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:22am

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According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams are expected to compete for the services of former Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in NFL free agency. Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler, is one of the top remaining free agents on the market and could provide a veteran presence and upgrade at the position for either team.

Why it matters

Both the Cowboys and Rams have needs at linebacker that Wagner could potentially fill. The Rams employed Wagner in 2022 before parting ways, while the Cowboys lack quality depth at the position. Wagner is still a high-caliber player despite his age, making him an attractive target for contending teams looking to bolster their defenses.

The details

Wagner, 36, recorded 162 tackles and eight tackles for loss with the Commanders in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors in both 2023 and 2024. The Rams could use an upgrade over Omar Speights at middle linebacker to pair with 2025 breakout star Nate Landman, while the Cowboys have a dire need at linebacker next to DeMarvion Overshown that Wagner could fill.

  • Wagner spent the 2022 season with the Rams before parting ways with the franchise in 2023.
  • Wagner earned second-team All-Pro honors with the Commanders in 2023 and 2024.

The players

Bobby Wagner

A 36-year-old linebacker who is one of the top remaining free agents on the market after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders.

Omar Speights

The current middle linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams.

Nate Landman

A 2025 breakout star linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams.

DeMarvion Overshown

A linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who could potentially be paired with Bobby Wagner.

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What they’re saying

“Given his age, Wagner would make the most sense for a team with serious Super Bowl aspirations. He'd be a great addition for the Los Angeles Rams, who employed Wagner in 2022. The Cowboys would also make sense for Wagner, given their need for defensive improvements and lack of quality linebacker depth.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer

The takeaway

This free agent battle for Bobby Wagner highlights the continued value veteran linebackers can provide to contending NFL teams, even as they enter the latter stages of their careers. Both the Cowboys and Rams have clear needs at the position that Wagner could potentially fill, making him an intriguing target for both franchises as they look to bolster their defenses and make a push for the Super Bowl.