It would be tremendous for linebacker Bobby Wagner to return to the Seattle Seahawks one more time to finish his career. From a feel-good story perspective, it just makes sense.
But from a football standpoint, there are probably better fits remaining for the linebacker. On Monday, ESPN’s Matt Bowen argued the best landing spot for Wagner would actually be in the AFC South.
Bowen picked 14 remaining NFL free agents and named the best fits for each in an article to begin this week. For Wagner, Bowen picked the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Wagner’s 9.5 tackles per game ranked sixth overall in 2025, showing he can still key quickly and rack up run stops. He does have limitations in coverage at this stage of his career, which Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile would have to manage,” wrote Bowen.
“However, as an early-down defender, Wagner could potentially take on the role next to Foyesade Oluokun. Devin Lloyd, who was a mainstay on Jacksonville’s second level, signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Panthers this offseason.
Last season, Wagner posted 162 combined tackles, including eight for loss with the Washington Commanders. Wagner also had 4.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, four pass defenses and two interceptions.
Could Jaguars Target LB Bobby Wagner?
Veteran linebacker Foyesade Oluokun will be back for the Jaguars defense again in 2026. But as Bowen indicated, the team lost fellow linebacker Devin Lloyd in NFL free agency.
Jacksonville didn’t add any linebackers in free agency or the draft this offseason. The team didn’t even bring in any undrafted rookies.
So, adding depth with Wagner potentially makes a lot of sense.
The inside linebacker didn’t earn a Pro Bowl bid or All-Pro team nomination last season. It was the first time that happened for Wagner since 2013.
But he remains a steady, reliable linebacker, especially against the run.
Wagner will turn 36 years old in June. He most recently made the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro during 2024. During that season, he had 132 combined tackles, including 10 for loss. Wagner also had four pass defenses with two sacks.
Wagner’s Legacy With the Seattle Seahawks
The veteran linebacker could still have good football in front of him. But it’s hard to image anything he does for the rest of his career will supplant his accomplishments with the Seahawks.
Wagner spent the first decade of his career in Seattle. During that time, he made eight All-Pro teams, including six first-team All-Pros.
Even with All-Pro players throughout the Seahawks defense from 2013-17, Wagner was the glue as arguably the most important player on the unit. During that stretch, the Seahawks were ranked first in total defense multiple times. The franchise also won its first Super Bowl in 2013.
Wagner left the Seahawks as a cap casualty in 2022. But after a year with the Los Angeles Rams, the linebacker returned to the Seahawks the following season. In his return, Wagner led the NFL with 183 total tackles.
Unfortunately, the return was short lived. The linebacker left Seattle again after one year to play in Washington. With the Commanders, he played for former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
The Seahawks don’t really make sense for another Wagner reunion this offseason. If he’s going to continue his career, it will likely be for another contender such as the Jaguars.
But Wagner will always be remembered as a Seahawks player in history.
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