Armed with a sizable cash reserve, the Washington Commanders made a beeline for free agents who would bolster their 4-13 team from the previous campaign.
One such addition was All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, who teams up in Washington with Dan Quinn, the former defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.
It turns out that Quinn had a significant role in Wagner joining the Commanders at the start of a new chapter under head coach Josh Harris.
“DQ [Quinn] does an amazing job of just putting all the players in right positions and and getting the best out of everybody,” Wagner stated. “That was sufficient for me because Norts, the linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., is one of my all-time favorite coaches.”
After playing every game in the previous season for the Seattle Seahawks, Wagner recorded a career-high 183 tackles (leading the team), six quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss (leading the team), and 3.5 sacks. He was selected to the Second Team All-Pro and received another Pro Bowl nod.
The Commanders will be hoping that Wagner, who is 33 years old and still productive on the field, can play a significant role in their defense, which finished lowest in the league in terms of points allowed (30.5).
What possible contribution can Bobby make to Washington’s defense?
“I think I bring a playmaker, a leader you can rely on, and someone who will be an extension of the coaches,” Wagner remarked.
The Commanders were significant players in free agency, but the team has made wise additions rather than simply spending money because it can.
Beyond his ability to tackle, Wagner’s greatest asset to Washington is that he is a defensive general on the field who also serves as a coach to help guide players during games.
