Commanders Leave Door Open for Bobby Wagner's Return

Head coach Dan Quinn says the team would 'never shut the door' on the veteran linebacker amid free agency rumors.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:43am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game in progress, with the players' movements and the action on the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and forms in the team's official colors of burgundy and gold.The Commanders' flexible approach to their linebacker corps leaves the door open for a potential reunion with veteran Bobby Wagner.Washington Today

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has left the door open for the potential return of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency. Quinn praised Wagner's impact as a player and leader, saying the team would 'never shut the door' on him. However, the Commanders have already made moves to address the linebacker position, signing Leo Chenal to a three-year contract and expecting a larger role for 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Magee.

Why it matters

Wagner is a 10-time Pro Bowler who still showed he can be a capable starting option last season, finishing fifth in the league in tackles. His potential return would provide veteran leadership and experience to the Commanders' defense. However, the team's recent free agent signings and draft picks suggest they may be moving in a different direction at the linebacker position.

The details

In his comments, Quinn praised Wagner's impact, saying he is 'the most remarkable player and leader' and that he wanted to make sure Wagner understood 'what standards could look like' before free agency started. The Commanders have left the door open for a potential return, but they have also made moves to address the linebacker position, signing Chenal to a three-year, $24.75 million contract and expecting Magee to take on a larger role after starting five of the team's final seven games in 2025.

  • Wagner has spent the past two years with the Washington Commanders.
  • The Commanders signed linebacker Leo Chenal to a three-year contract worth $24.75 million in free agency.

The players

Dan Quinn

The head coach of the Washington Commanders.

Bobby Wagner

A 35-year-old veteran linebacker who is currently a free agent after spending the past two seasons with the Commanders.

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders.

Leo Chenal

A linebacker who the Commanders signed to a three-year, $24.75 million contract in free agency.

Jordan Magee

A 2024 fifth-round pick of the Commanders who is expected to take on a larger role at linebacker next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We would never shut the door on him. We do feel like there's some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”

— Dan Quinn, Head Coach, Washington Commanders

“He's like the most remarkable player and leader. I wanted to make sure I said how important he was to me to come here together, like what standards could look like. And then yes, like what Adam said to him and some others, 'We're going to leave the door open, and we'll see what that looks like over the time ahead.'”

— Dan Quinn, Head Coach, Washington Commanders

What’s next

The Commanders will continue to monitor Wagner's free agency status and determine if there is a fit for him to return to the team.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the Commanders' desire to maintain flexibility at the linebacker position, as they balance the potential return of a veteran leader in Wagner with their recent investments in younger players like Chenal and Magee. The team's approach suggests they are weighing multiple factors as they look to strengthen their defense heading into the 2026 season.