The Washington Commanders are almost unrecognizable from last year, both in roster and success. The franchise that once felt trapped in mediocrity has now emerged as one of the NFL’s best teams, in part due to its revamped roster. A significant contributor to the Commanders’ defensive turnaround has been veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who, at 34, joined Washington on a one-year, $6.5 million contract in 2024. Through eight games, Wagner leads the team with 69 tackles, adding 2 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble.
Despite Wagner’s impact, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder believes Wagner’s age and upcoming free-agent status could lead the Commanders to explore a younger option at linebacker, suggesting Robert Spillane of the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential replacement. “Bobby Wagner is set to become a 35-year-old free agent in the offseason, and if he doesn’t return, Washington will have a big hole to fill at linebacker, especially against the run,” Holder wrote. “While Spillane certainly doesn’t have the résumé Wagner does, the 28-year-old has been good against the ground game and a tackle machine over the last two years in Las Vegas.”
Wagner’s Legendary Career and Commanding Role
Wagner has cemented himself as one of the greatest linebackers of his generation, possibly a future Hall of Famer. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, he was instrumental in Seattle’s 2013 Super Bowl-winning defense. Wagner has led the NFL in total tackles three times and has set himself apart with his rare mix of instincts, athleticism, and leadership.
After a season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, Wagner returned to Seattle in 2023, where he led the league with 183 tackles, earning second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. But his reunion with the Seahawks was short-lived; in 2024, he found a new home with Washington, where he’s anchored the Commanders’ defense and become the team’s most consistent playmaker. However, at 35, the question remains whether Wagner will be brought back or if Washington will turn to younger talent.
Spillane: A Workhorse on the Rise
Robert Spillane’s journey to the NFL contrasts with Wagner’s star-studded path. After going undrafted out of Western Michigan in 2018, Spillane earned his first starting role with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Raiders in 2023. Signed to a two-year, $7 million deal, Spillane quickly became one of the Raiders’ most reliable defenders, finishing the 2023 season with 148 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss.
Spillane’s current campaign has only added to his value, as he’s already logged 79 tackles, a sack, and an interception through eight games. While Spillane may lack the accolades of Wagner, his skill against the run and durability could make him a valuable addition to Washington’s defense in 2025.
Commanders’ Defensive Future: What Comes Next?
If Wagner decides to move on, Spillane’s tackling consistency and experience as a starter could help the Commanders avoid a major defensive drop-off. While Wagner’s legacy and leadership would be hard to replace, Spillane brings youth, tenacity, and a knack for making plays in the backfield.
As Washington looks toward 2025, they could face the tough choice between offering Wagner a new deal or turning to a new generation of defensive leaders. In either scenario, the Commanders are committed to fielding a defense that rivals the league’s best, making the most of a new era that has already turned heads around the NFL.
