Linebacker Bobby Wagner Is Returning To The Commanders On A 1-year Contract, Ap Source Says

Six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner is returning to the Washington Commanders after being a big part of their franchise-best turnaround and a trip to the NFC championship game in quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie season.

Wagner agreed on a contract for next season, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal had not yet been announced.

Set to turn 35 this summer, Wagner led the Commanders with 132 tackles during the regular season and was named to his 10th Pro Bowl. He made 25 more during their playoff run as the centerpiece of a much-improved defense.

The well-respected veteran keyed a unit that went from last in the league before he and several newcomers arrived to finish 13th under first-year coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

"He's a coach on the field," Whitt said of Wagner in January. "He's the ultimate leader. For him to be the Bobby Wagner, he's a humble man. He listens. He takes coaching. ... He takes the younger guys, he brings them in and is a mentor. I can tell him and talk to him within the game and he could take what I'm saying and communicate it really well to the players."