Kamal Ghorui
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost legendary linebacker Lavonte David this week after he hung up his cleats. The Super Bowl champion was drafted in 2012 by Tampa Bay as the 58th overall pick in the second round. He recorded one Pro Bowl selection, one First-team All-Pro selection, and two Second-team All-Pro selections.David has bid goodbye to the gridiron after 14 glorious years. His retirement calls for someone who can take his place. Someone who shares a history with him. The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf picks Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner as the perfect fit for the Buccaneers.
NFL Trade Rumors : Baker Mayfield ’s Buccaneers tied to Commanders LB Bobby Wagner
Yousuf urges Tampa Bay to sign Wagner in free agency. The Buccaneers did sign Alex Anzalone, but they still need to strengthen their middle of the defense. Tampa Bay picked David in 2012 at overall No. 58; eleven picks earlier, Wagner was picked at overall No. 47 by the then Russell Wilson-led Seattle Seahawks.The analyst reports that Wagner has turned his career into a likely Hall of Fame one. He may not play as well as he did in his prime, but he still has some juice left in his tank. As for his accolades, he is also a Super Bowl champion and has earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, six First-team All-Pro selections, and five Second-team All-Pro selections.He is a three-time NFL combined tackles leader and one-time NFL solo tackles co-leader. In 2025, he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year despite Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce’s presence as one of the candidates.As for Commanders LB’s 2025 stats, he recorded 1132 total snaps [ranks first in PFF], 162 total tackles [79 solo], 4.5 sacks, 20 pressures, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Now, how would Wagner fit into Tampa Bay’s scenario?
Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner is just like Tampa Bay’s Lavonte David
Sports Illustrated’s River Wells reports Wagner has a very high football IQ, just like David. However, the Buccaneers struggled with David in the past few seasons due to his age; he slowed down, and his coverage ability declined. His PFF coverage grade was 45.1, which ranked 69th among 88 qualified linebackers. The same could happen with the 35-year-old Washington linebacker.The PFF gave Wagner a 51.1 coverage grade, which ranked 51st among 88 qualified LBs. But it was the run defense grade that was impeccable [90.3], which ranked 5th at the position. His pass-rush grade was 92.4, which ranked 2nd among qualified linebackers. These stats may further fuel The Athletic’s prediction for Baker Mayfield-led Buccaneers. Will the contract negotiation lead to a deal?Heavy Sports’ Christopher Sheppard reports that Wagner may come on the cheap. He is estimated to make around $7.7M per year at the moment. For a team prioritizing low-risk approach when it comes to roster management, signing Wagner, who is just five years away from 40, could be the best option. According to Over The Cap, the veteran’s career APY [average per year] is $8M and his total earnings over 14 seasons are $118M. Several teams have been linked to Washington linebacker: the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons. But it’s only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that have the Lavonte David connection. So, would they sign Wagner in free agency? Remains to be seen…
