With the Commanders themselves having so many free agents, which of their current players from 2024 should be their top priority to re-sign?
Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Jeremy Chinn were three common refrains that should be targeted as high priorities. Mitchell then singled out Wagner as his top priority.
“I’m trying to bring back all three,” BMitch said via Ryan Chichester of Audacy. “But, if I had to choose one, Bobby might be the one of those three. Having a glue guy in your room, a veteran who can still play at that level, that does more for your team than you can imagine. You heard coaches say that he would send them stuff before they even got there…this guy is always prepared…They have so much respect for him, and he can still play.”
Wagner was repeatedly praised for his work ethic in the film room, which helped him prepare to lead the defense on game day. In addition, at age 34, he still led the team with 132 combined tackles (75 solo, 57 assisted). Chinn was second at 117 (73 solo, 44 assisted).
Yet, there were times Wagner showed he was understandably slowing down. It happens to every single NFL player, and age will win out over Wagner as it does over each and every one of us.
Perhaps we should look for the Commanders to attempt an agreement with Wagner, which would involve him playing fewer snaps next season. Such a move would allow Wagner to play one more final season (if he so wishes) and also signal clearly that they have to do what is best for the team in all situations and all personnel, including even a future Hall of Famer, which Wagner will undoubtedly become.