Washington Commanders sneakiest 2025 NFL free agency signing

Furthermore, the addition of Laremy Tunsil further solidifies their commitment to making Daniels’ second year as productive—if not more so—than his first. Meanwhile, the one-year deal for Tress Way highlights a pragmatic approach to filling key needs with short-term value. These moves reinforce a team betting heavily on its ability to generate offensive firepower.

After an eight-win improvement in 2024, Washington is eager to prove that its success was no fluke. Yet, amid the high-profile signings, one move stands out as a potential game-changer for the defense and team culture: bringing back legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Here we’ll try to look at the player who is the Washington Commanders’ sneakiest signing during the 2025 NFL free agency period.

Bobby Wagner: The Veteran Anchor Washington Needed

Sure, Washington fans were captivated by the high-profile offensive acquisitions. However, the front office made a calculated move by securing Bobby Wagner on a short-term deal. At 34, Wagner may no longer be at the peak of his Seattle Seahawks days. That said, he remains one of the most cerebral and efficient linebackers in the league. Recognizing his enduring value, the Commanders signed him to a two-year, incentive-driven contract. This move emphasized leadership and stability over sheer athleticism.

Keep in mind that Wagner played a crucial role in Dan Quinn’s defensive overhaul in Washington in 2024. As such, the team wasted no time securing his return. The veteran re-signed on a one-year deal after a season in which he looked as dominant as ever. Recall that he missed just 5.7 percent of his tackle attempts. That actually ranked fifth among linebackers—and tied for second in run stops (41). Of course, Wagner’s presence extends beyond the stat sheet. Remember that he is the heart of a rising defensive unit that could be a deciding factor in Washington’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Why Wagner’s Signing is a Masterstroke

Yes, other free agent acquisitions generated more buzz. That said, Wagner’s addition may be the most pivotal for Washington’s defense. The Commanders’ front seven has shown flashes of brilliance. However, they lacked a seasoned leader to coordinate the unit. With Wagner in place, Washington gains not only an elite on-field presence but also a mentor for its developing defensive core.

Wagner’s leadership reaches far beyond the linebacker group. He instills accountability, discipline, and composure. Wagner effectively serves as an extension of the defensive coordinator on the field. His ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and make crucial in-game adjustments is a rare skill set that few linebackers possess at his level. For Washington, his presence could be the defining factor in their defensive transformation.

Wagner’s Role in 2025

The Commanders don’t need Bobby Wagner to be a Defensive Player of the Year contender. They really just need him to be the same intelligent, physical, and reliable linebacker he’s always been. Keep in mind that Wagner remains one of the premier run-stopping linebackers in the NFL. He just has an elite ability to diagnose plays, fill gaps, and bring down ball carriers in traffic. His presence forces opposing offenses to reconsider attacking the middle of the defense. This adds another layer of difficulty for opponents game-planning against Washington.

This move isn’t just about bolstering the defense—it’s about setting the tone for a franchise seeking long-term success.

A Smart Move That Could Pay Huge Dividends

In a free agency class defined by splashy offensive signings and big-name acquisitions, Bobby Wagner’s addition stands out as the kind of move that great teams make. While he may not dominate headlines like Deebo Samuel Sr. or Laremy Tunsil, his impact on the Commanders’ defense could be just as crucial. Wagner brings elite instincts, leadership, and stability to a young, hungry team looking to prove its legitimacy. If Washington makes a deep playoff run in 2025, don’t be surprised if Wagner’s presence is one of the biggest reasons why.