[ad_1]
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bobby Wagner is going to the Washington Commanders as they make strides in rebuilding their defense.
The six-time All-Pro linebacker has agreed to join the team, according to two people familiar with the deal. One person confirmed it is a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with $6 million in guaranteed money.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
Wagner, who will turn 34 this summer, led the NFL with 183 tackles last season. He becomes the centerpiece of the defense under Dan Quinn and he’s another player the new coach is quite familiar with: Wagner played two seasons for him with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 and 2014, winning a Super Bowl together in the process.
“Seattle, we’ve done this before” Wagner published on social media, referencing leaving the Seahawks in 2022 for a season with the Los Angeles Rams before returning in 2023. “You know what it is. It’s always love. Until we meet again. I’m around.”
Signing Wagner is one of many changes new CEO Adam Peters is winning after entering free agency with the most cap space in the league. They also come running Austin Ekelerveteran backup quarterback Marco Mariota, tight end Zach Ertz and several others, including linebacker Frankie Luvu, safety Jeremy Chinn, center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorrance Armstrong.
Quinn has connections to Biadasz and Armstrong in his last three seasons as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Ertz was convinced of Peters, Quinn and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury plan.
“These are guys that I really think are going to be successful long-term in this place,” Ertz said in a video call with reporters Tuesday. “I’m very excited to get back into (Kingsbury’s) offense and also help this team, help this organization build success from the ground up.”
Earlier Wednesday, the Commanders agreed to a two-year contract with 2022 All-Pro safety and special teams player Jeremy Reaves, a person familiar with the deal told The AP.
Among several social media posts, Reaves said he has been smiling from ear to ear since getting the new contract. He added: “Commanders fans, glad to be back HOME!” I have unfinished business!
Part of that pending task is returning to the field after partially tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on a punt return Oct. 5 during Washington’s fifth game last season. He went on injured reserve and did not return.
Reaves is the first player from the previous regime that Peters opted to bring back.
___
AP Sports Writer Tim Booth in Seattle contributed to this report.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
[ad_2]
Source link