The Washington Commanders entered free agency armed with a financial war chest and did their business snapping free agents that would improve their 4-13 roster from last season.
One such signing was All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, who links up with his former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn in Washington.
As it turns out, Quinn was a major factor in Wagner coming to the Commanders as part of a new era under owner 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 said. "Then Norts [linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.] one of my favorite coaches of all time so that was enough for me.”
Wagner, who played for the Seattle Seahawks last season, played all 17 games and finished with a career-high 183 tackles (led team), six quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss (led team), and 3.5 sacks. He again earned a Pro Bowl nod and a Second-Team All-Pro selection.
With Wagner still able to produce on the field despite his age (33), the Commanders will be hoping that he can be a key component of their defense that was ranked dead last for points allowed last season (30.5).
As far as what Bobby can bring to Washington's defense?
"I feel like I bring a leader somebody you can depend on, a playmaker and somebody that's going to be an extension of the coaches,” Wagner said.
The Commanders were big players in free agency, but they haven't just spent money because they can; the franchise has been shrewd with their signings.
In Wagner, Washington gets a defensive general on the field and also a coach to help mentor players during the game, which is perhaps one of his biggest qualities aside from being a tackling machine.
Washington has hit the ground running in free agency. With Wagner, it has grabbed an All-Pro linebacker who will instantly upgrade the defense with Quinn being a pivotal factor in Bobby choosing Washington as his next stop.
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