Dan Quinn Reveals 'Huge' Impact Bobby Wagner Can Make On Washington Commanders

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has revealed the huge impact that Bobby Wagner can have on the team's defense after signing in free agency.

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) jogs on / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Now that former Super Bowl head coach Dan Quinn is in the building, the Washington Commanders are undergoing an entire rebuilding of their identity. 

Known for being a premier defensive mind, Quinn has inherited a roster that has seen significant changes on defense this offseason. Now he’s spoken about the impact veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner can have on the team.

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner. / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

“It's a huge one he can make,” Quinn said. “He's as skilled a ball player as you're going to find because of the details he puts into it. There's a reason he's had so many high-production tackling seasons. I think he's the very best tackler that I've had the chance to coach. He just doesn't miss a lot. He's a processor. He sees it, and then what I'm looking forward to him is also detailing out to some of his teammates a process that it goes through to get ready to go play. So yeah, he's a real asset for us and somebody I can't wait to coach again. It's been a long time and I've coached against him and say, hey, circle that number. You better stop this one. Don't let him ruin the game.”

General manager Adam Peters signed Wagner to a one-year contract with the Commanders, potentially worth over $4 million this offseason. Wagner is coming off his tenth straight All-Pro team appearance. In 2023, Wagner led the league in tackles with 183, the most for a single season in his career.

Washington has signed a lot of potential difference makers in free agency, such as Jeremy Chinn and Frankie Luvu. However, as Quinn said, Wagner’s attention to detail after 12 seasons in the NFL and their relationship from having worked together from 2013 to 2014 with the Seattle Seahawks will allow him to share details with his new teammates on defense and turn around the unit much faster than most expect.