Perennial linebacker Bobby Wagner is back on the market following a two-year stint in Washington, and he’s one player the Los Angeles Rams should steer clear of. Signing Wagner for one last send-off and to offer him a chance at a redo for a bad lone season in Hollywood is not worth it one bit for the Rams.
Los Angeles is in a MUCH better spot roster-wise than it was when Wagner joined the team during the 2022 offseason. If Wagner is searching for a spot to earn a second Super Bowl ring, on paper,
there might not be a better destination.
However, things have changed since I last addressed the possibility of a Wagner reunion two years ago, and it’s not only because he’s three years older.
The main reason is that Wagner was absolutely DREADFUL in pass coverage for the Commanders in 2025. According to Pro Football Reference, Wagner’s passer rating allowed in coverage was solid on the surface (89.5), yet he saw his numbers decline in the following areas:
Passing Yards Allowed in Coverage: 436 (2025), 215 (2024)
Yards per Completion: 12.1 (2025), 8.6 (2024)
Touchdowns Allowed: 3 (2025), 1 (2024)
Yards After Catch (YAC) Allowed: 329 (2025), 185 (2024)
Part of that can be attributed to the rise in quarterbacks targeting him in coverage — from 38 to 57 last season — but much of it is due to his age. Wagner has a remarkable streak of 10 straight seasons amassing 130+ tackles. That is one part of his game that hasn’t seen any drop-off … yet.
Still, playing linebacker in today’s NFL is more than being a tackling machine or lucking out by being in the right spot when the opposing QB throws a boneheaded interception right to you.
Being athletic and handling pass coverage responsibilities is required for anyone playing LB now. With no disrespect intended to a future first ballot Hall of Famer, that isn’t Wagner anymore. Teams seeking help at the position will likely take a look at younger and cheaper options first before even taking a look at him. That’s simply the stage he’s at in his career.
The decline in pass coverage would be enough to turn most teams off to Wagner, excluding those desperate for any linebacker help. Wagner is as durable as they come, playing all 17 games in four consecutive seasons, and had a pair of All-Pro seasons with the Seahawks and Commanders after leaving the Rams. He’s just well past the prime of his career, and it’s difficult to see him making much impact at his age besides in the tackling department.
Adding a player solely to make amends for one bad season and to chase a ring would be one of the worst things L.A. could do after such a strong offseason. The Rams are in win-now mode, and signing Wagner, despite his legendary NFL career, would be a liability to a promising defense and otherwise damaging to their championship hopes.
