​Seattle Seahawks legend Bobby Wagner is approaching his 15th NFL season, having just turned 36 this past June. Far from slowing down, Wagner logged 99% of defensive snaps for the Washington Commanders in 2025, and his production remained strong. The veteran collected 162 combined tackles, his most since the franchise-record 183 in 2023, tied for his third-most sacks at 4.5, and grabbed two interceptions, tying his second-best total.
Despite Wagner’s impressive numbers and remarkable longevity, he remains a free agent. Which teams should be pursuing him before September? While his 2025 season was outstanding, it’s fair to wonder if we’re witnessing the twilight of his career. With that in mind, this look focuses on contending teams that could still benefit from the future Hall of Famer’s presence, offering several compelling options for Wagner’s next chapter.
The Buffalo Bills are still in the mix, chasing a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. Allen isn’t leaving anytime soon, but at 30, there’s a chance his peak years will spread out over the next several seasons. The 2024 MVP remains a dynamic quarterback, but the Bills’ championship window narrows slightly each season. They lost veteran Matt Milano to free agency, and while they may bring him back, Wagner would be a meaningful upgrade for a club that must stay aggressive.
The Kansas City Chiefs have less immediate urgency for a title, yet they’re entering a transitional period with reserves aging into bigger roles. Travis Kelce remains a core, and Chris Jones could be a cap casualty next year, while Andy Reid won’t be around forever. The Chiefs’ defense got a retooling boost in the draft, spending their first four picks on defense. With Leo Chenal departure to the Commanders leaving a middle-of-the-field opening, Wagner could head there to anchor the unit and provide veteran leadership behind Jones.
The Jacksonville Jaguars turned heads last season under new head coach Liam Coen, with Anthony Campanile guiding a defense that finally clicked and Trevor Lawrence showing growth within Coen’s system. While the defense was a winning factor in the AFC, Jacksonville lost Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Lloyd posted a standout 2025 with a 99-yard pick-six serving as the year’s highlight. Wagner, though unlikely to replicate Lloyd’s exact feat in 2026, posted an 84.4 LB Impact Grade in 2025, ranking eighth among all linebackers, ahead of Lloyd’s 12th-ranked figure (81.5). Wagner could bolster the Jaguars’ middle, offering experience as Jacksonville continues to build a competitive, all-around unit.
As teams evaluate all their options for the upcoming season, Wagner remains a player many contenders would love to add. His ability to contribute immediately on defense, along with his leadership and high football IQ, could help a team push through late-season games and into playoff contention. Whether Wagner ends up in Buffalo, Kansas City, Jacksonville, or another contender’s scheme, his value as a veteran presence who can still play at a high level remains clear.
If you’re drafting a strategy for Wagner’s next chapter, prioritize teams that can capitalize on a veteran inside linebacker with proven production, leadership, and the ability to contribute on early downs as well as nickel packages. In today’s NFL, a linebacker who can read plays quickly, shed blocks, and play with speed into his late 30s is a rare commodity. Wagner has proven he can still deliver at a high level, and several playoff-caliber franchises would benefit from adding him to their defense.