Best destinations for Bobby Wagner
By: Jake Rajala
Bobby Wagner is known for a couple of things. First off, he’s a terrific linebacker. 2025 was the first season since 2013, where he wasn’t second team or first team All-Pro. He was still productive last season, as he unleashed 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 162 combined tackles, and two interceptions. Second off, he was named “The Walter Payton Man of the Year” in 2025. I’m sure that award was more important than any on the field award.
With that said, Wagner is a free agent in 2026. So, I’m going to lay out the several best destinations for him.
Seattle Seahawks
This one is a no-brainer. Wagner won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and was named first team All-Pro six times with the Hawks. The Hawks already have an elite front seven. They could have the very best front seven with Wagner in the group. Drake Thomas and Ernest Jones could compete against Wagner for the starting roles. I would start Jones and Wagner. Of course, the Hawks won the Super Bowl last season, which makes any player want to play for them.
Chicago Bears
It’s official: the Chicago Bears have moved on from Tremaine Edmunds. Wagner could be a superb replacement for the young MLB. Wagner would even be an upgrade over Edmunds. The Bears defensive coordinator could really utilize Wagner, just as Dennis Allen put Demario Davis in a situation to succeed in New Orleans. The Bears were 26th in rushing YPG allowed. They should be desperate to fix their run defense.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills know they are close to getting over the hump. They acquired DJ Moore on offense. It’s time for them to acquire some superb pieces for defense. Wagner can start over Terrel Bernard. The Bills ranked 28th in rushing YPG allowed last season. I’d love to see the Bills bring in another outside linebacker, such as Von Miller, Joey Bosa, or Jadeveon Clowney.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles would have a cream of the crop front seven with Wagner. Bobby and Zach Baun would be the best ILB tandem in the league. They also have Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith Jr, and Jaelen Phillips. The Eagles also have the 20th defense in rushing YPG allowed. They need to get back to the days where their defense bullied foes (such as the New England Patriots) in the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are on the cusp of having an elite front seven. They have 2025 DPOY Myles Garrett and 2025 DROY Carson Schwesinger at MLB. I’d love to see Carson kick to the outside and insert Wagner at MLB. The Browns were 17th in rushing YPG allowed and 13th in PPG allowed. Wagner can really improve their defense all-around. The Browns play in a division with two QBs (Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers) that have won MVP and a third QB (Joe Burrow) that is a Top-5 QB right now.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints love to play two inside linebackers in their base defense. Demario Davis and Pete Werner are those two guys. Wagner would be an upgrade over Werner. Davis and Wagner would be the best ILB tandem in the league. There is also a chance that Davis doesn’t return to the Saints. Hence, Wagner could replace him. The Saints were 19th in rushing YPG allowed. They can’t afford to be worse than last season. Davis and Wagner will both likely play 1-2 more seasons at most, however. Danny Stutsman isn’t quite ready to be a starting ILB right now.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t had a lot of luck on defense. They traded away the All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and then they failed to get the All-Pro edge player Maxx Crosby. There is still hope, however. They could get the sack master Trey Hendrickson, but the odds are against that. The Boys are 24th against the run last season. Wagner would certainly start over DeMarvion Overshown. I like that they acquired Quinnen Williams (and managed to get Kenny Clark). They are both stout run defenders.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams may wish to reunite with Wagner. Wagner could start over Omar Speights at ILB. The Rams no longer have Aaron Donald, but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer. They recently acquired Trent McDuffie. They are clearly gearing up for a Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford, while he’s not retired. The LA Rams were 11th in rushing YPG allowed last season. They could be a Top-5 run defense with Wagner.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions lost inside linebacker Alex Anzalone to the Buccaneers. He signed a two year contract worth $17 million dollars. Wagner could be his replacement and even an upgrade. The Lions were 13th in rushing YPG allowed last season and 22nd in PPG allowed. Wagner could help improve both of those areas.
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