The Washington Commanders have faced the reality all offseason the team’s former All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner could land with a rival. Although the regular season is quickly approaching, that remains on the table.
Bleacher Report continues to be one of the biggest advocates of that occurring.
Since March, BR analysts have predicted Wagner to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Once again, on Wednesday, one of the network’s top NFL writers, Kristopher Knox, projected Wagner to land in Dallas.
“There is no shortage of teams that could use a defensive leader of Wagner’s caliber, but the Dallas Cowboys might make the most sense. Dallas has taken an aggressive approach to rebuilding its defense this offseason—one that has included adding Miller—and head coach Brian Schottenheimer spent time with Wagner with the Seattle Seahawks,” wrote Knox.
“Wagner may want to skip the rigors of training camp and land with a team after roster cuts, but the 36-year-old is likely to play again in 2026. The prediction here is that he jumps from one NFC East team to another.”
Last season, Wagner played in Washington on a 1-year contract for the second year in a row. The linebacker earned $9 million for the 2025 season.
Spotrac estimated his market value this offseason at $7.7 million.
Bobby Wagner Again Predicted to Sign With Cowboys
The prediction Wagner will sign in Dallas has been popular and repetitive the last several months. Other outlets such as CBS Sports and NFL.com have also pegged the linebacker a Cowboys target.
The longer Wagner remains unsigned, the louder the prediction seems to have gotten.
However, there’s a reason for that. Wagner to the Cowboys makes a lot of sense.
Dallas acquired Dee Winters in a trade this offseason. Winter will play next to DeMarvion Overshown. But Wagner offers an upgrade even at 36 years old and would give the Cowboys strong depth in the middle of their defense.
Before last season, Wagner had an 11-year streak of consecutive seasons with either a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nomination. While the streak ended in 2025, Wagner was still very productive with 162 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss. He also had 4.5 sacks, four pass defenses and two interceptions.
The Cowboys need to be better on defense this fall and aren’t shy about adding short-term solutions. Few players in the entire league offer better 1-year upside than Wagner.
How Commanders Are Replacing Bobby Wagner
Wagner is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Any team could use that added to the middle of its defense.
In Washington, though, the Commanders are moving forward with rookie Sonny Styles. The team selected Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Commanders also have starter Frankie Luvu returning and third-year linebacker Jordan Magee. A fifth-round pick from 2024, Magee is has surprise breakout potential entering 2026.
Washington also added two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker Leo Chenal in NFL free agency.
With that in mind, it’s about impossible to see the Commanders bringing back Wagner. The Commanders would have to suffer a rash of injuries at inside linebacker for the potential of that to happen. Then, Wagner would also still have to be available.
Most pundits probably wouldn’t see that happening because the Cowboys will get to him first.
Former Commanders Star Could Still Land With Cowboys