In 2025 with the Washington Commanders he recorded 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions, appearing in all 17 games and ranking ninth among qualified linebackers per PFF with a 78.6 overall grade.
He now has 14 consecutive seasons with 100-plus tackles, tied for the longest such streak since 2000.
Washington drafted Sonny Styles in the first round, signed Leo Chenal and Odafe Oweh, and did not bring Wagner back.
Wagner is a free agent, and three teams stand out as the most logical destinations.
Atlanta Falcons
CBS Sports' Carter Bahns identified the Falcons as one of the most pressing fits.
Kaden Elliss, who had started every game over the last three seasons, signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason.
Run defense was a weakness last year, with Atlanta surrendering the ninth-most rushing yards and 4.6 yards per attempt.
Also, inside linebacker is arguably the Falcons' biggest positional need heading into a season where they are trying to take over a wide-open NFC South.
Wagner addresses both the production gap and the leadership void simultaneously on a one-year deal.
San Francisco 49ers
FOX Sports named the 49ers the best fit for Wagner, with the primary reasoning being that Fred Warner is coming off a season-ending ankle injury and Dre Greenlaw has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons due to injury.
Wagner's former Seahawks teammate KJ Wright is now San Francisco's linebackers coach, providing an interesting direct connection to the organization.
The 49ers also have cap space and injury concerns at the linebacker position that Wagner could help address on a short-term deal, though the depth behind Warner and Greenlaw is deeper than it appears, which may limit Wagner's path to meaningful playing time.
Carolina Panthers
CBS Sports analyst Zachary Pereles named Wagner as the ideal post-draft addition for Carolina, citing his ties to both general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales from their overlapping time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Canales joined Seattle in 2010 and was on staff through 2022, overlapping with Wagner's entire peak run with the organization.
Carolina signed Devin Lloyd this offseason but still needs a proven complement alongside him, with Trevin Wallace the only other option at the position and his 55.9 PFF grade ranking 59th among linebackers in 2025.
Wagner's familiarity with Canales' culture and his ability to mentor younger defenders gives the Panthers something no other free agent at the position can offer.
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