It’s a tradition unlike any other: Dallas Cowboys fans and media members discussing how this time linebacker Bobby Wagner makes sense as a free agent target for America’s Team. It’s been happening since his Seattle days, when speculation about a potential trade for Wagner ran rampant more than once. But I’ve got to admit this year, it made plenty of sense to me.

Unfortunately, that’s officially off the table now. The Washington Commanders are re-signing Wagner to a one-year deal worth $9.5 million. Dan Quinn will get to keep his guy who seems invulnerable to father time. 

Given he’ll be 35 years old when the season begins, it certainly seemed like Wagner could be at a discount this offseason. Knowing the Cowboys, that could’ve made him a legit free agent target for them as they’re known to focus solely on bargain hunting when the player market opens. Watching Wagner in Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme would’ve been a treat, as the position thrives in his teams. With DeMarvion Overshown going through rehab and having a question mark for his availability for the 2025 season, a short-term patch like Wagner would’ve been perfect. 

But now, we’ll never know. You’ve got to give up to the Commanders, they’ve become one of the most proactive front offices in the league since Josh Harris’ ownership group took over. 

Harris and Magic Johnson said after the Commanders’ NFC Championship Game run that they learned to stay out of the way of the team’s football operations. I guess you could say the Dallas Cowboys have a thing to learn from them as eyes are set on them to find out if they’re going to change their team-building ways in 2025 or not.