​Former Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner has earned a spot on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list for 2026. At 36, Wagner remains unsigned and currently without a team for the 2026 season. The NFL Network announced that Wagner is ranked No. 81 on the 2026 list. Wagner spent the last two seasons with the Commanders, bringing professionalism, leadership, and a culture-shaping presence to a franchise in need of all three in 2024. In his first year with Washington, Wagner played all 17 regular-season games, tallied 132 tackles with 10 for loss and 2 sacks, and appeared in all three playoff games. He was a standout both on and off the field, earning his 10th Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors. Wagner returned on a one-year deal in 2025, again appearing in every game and posting 162 tackles, 8 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions, numbers that were aided by the defense spending more time on the field.
No. 81 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026… LB Bobby Wagner! @NFLFilmspic.twitter.com/9K0uVuGkc1— NFL (@NFL) July 3, 2026
Washington opted not to bring Wagner back for 2026, aiming to get younger and faster. The club added free-agent linebacker Leo Chenal and first-round pick Sonny Styles, who is expected to man the middle of the defense in Wagner’s stead. While Wagner’s production remained solid last season, opponents frequently targeted him in coverage. When analyst Warren Sharp learned of Wagner’s No. 81 ranking, he commented on the discussion around that placement.
Sharp’s take wasn’t far off base: Wagner posted strong numbers, yet he faced notable coverage challenges. The Commanders valued Wagner and handled his departure with respect. After 14 NFL seasons—11 with Seattle, two with Washington, and one with the Los Angeles Rams—Wagner remains a surefire candidate for the Hall of Fame’s first-ballot discussion. Whether he plays in 2026 is still up in the air; he has not retired, and teams in need of an immediate impact linebacker could pursue him before training camp or if an injury arises. This report originally appeared on Commanders Wire with updates on Wagner’s status as a top-100 NFL player.