A prominent suggestion is to pursue linebacker Bobby Wagner. The 14-year veteran appeared in all 17 regular-season games for Washington in 2025, totaling 162 tackles and ranking fifth in the NFL in that category. Wagner also logged 4.5 sacks that season, a figure that would have been among the team leaders a year ago. His performance earned him a strong Pro Football Focus overall defense grade of 78.6, placing him ninth among 88 graded players at his position.
Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler, spent the majority of his career with Seattle and helped the Seahawks win a Super Bowl in the 2013-14 season. He also spent time with Washington and Los Angeles, bringing veteran leadership and championship experience to a locker room. Signing Wagner could provide valuable postseason know-how and a steadier presence alongside younger players.
For the Bills, bringing in a veteran like Wagner could also complement first-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s new scheme, which features an odd-man front. The team currently has Terrel Bernard as a starting inside linebacker, and adding a vetted player with extensive game experience could help stabilize the position group as Buffalo looks to optimize its personnel.
While Wagner would bring a wealth of experience and a track record of production, there are debate-worthy considerations. Some evaluators might prefer re-signing Shaq Thompson, who played with the Bills last season, due to already meshing with the locker room and potentially offering a lower cost on the open market. If the Bills pursue Wagner, projections have suggested an average annual value around the mid-seven million-dollar range, which could be a factor in the decision-making process.
Ultimately, the Bills appear poised to explore their options at linebacker as they refine their defense for the upcoming season. Adding a veteran presence could help accelerate development for younger players and provide a reliable contributor who can adapt to different looks and schemes under a new defensive regime.
Key takeaways:
– Wagner’s 2025 stats include 162 tackles (fifth in the NFL) and 4.5 sacks, with a high defensive grade.
– His experience includes a Super Bowl-winning background and leadership that could benefit Buffalo’s defense.
– The Bills’ coaching staff is transitioning to a new scheme under Jim Leonhard, which could be complemented by a veteran presence.
– Evaluations balance Wagner’s upside and cost against potential alternatives like re-signing familiar in-house players.
