NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears could pursue $9M Washington Commanders linebacker

NFL trade rumors around popular linebacker Bobby Wagner are starting to gain traction again after the veteran linebacker remained unsigned deep into May. Wagner spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, but the franchise shifted toward younger defensive players this offseason and never seriously pursued another contract extension.

Now several contenders are monitoring the situation. According to LWOS Anthony Palacios, the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears stand out as realistic landing spots for the veteran defender before training camp begins in July.

NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears emerge as logical fits for Commanders LB Bobby Wagner

The Washington Commanders already showed their direction during the offseason. The team selected Sonny Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and added more help around the front seven. That decision made Wagner expendable despite his productive 2025 campaign.

Wagner played last season on a one-year deal worth around $9 million. Even at 35 years old, he still brought reliable tackling, leadership and strong communication to Washington’s defense. However, teams now see him more as a situational linebacker instead of an every-down starter.

That is where the San Francisco 49ers enter the picture. The 49ers dealt with major defensive injuries throughout the 2025 season, and linebacker depth remains a concern entering 2026. Fred Warner continues to anchor the defense, but Wagner could give the unit another experienced voice during critical moments. The fit also makes sense because the 49ers remain in win-now mode.

Fox Sports' Ben Arthur believed he could be the right fit for the 49ers, as he said, "At 35 years old, Wagner is well past his prime,” Arthur wrote in his May 19 article. '

He continued, “But he remains a very cerebral and effective player in the run game, coming off his 10th straight season with at least 130 tackles. It’s why he makes sense as a top backup option for the 49ers, who have injury concerns at both inside linebacker positions — former All-Pro Fred Warner is coming off a season-ending ankle injury, and Dre Greenlaw has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons combined. Wagner’s longtime Seahawks teammate, KJ Wright, is also San Francisco’s linebackers coach."

Plus, the Chicago Bears have their own reasons to explore the move. The Bears lost Tremaine Edmunds earlier this offseason and still need veteran depth behind TJ Edwards. Wagner would instantly become one of the most respected players in that locker room while helping stabilize the defense before the season starts.

Meanwhile, there is also the playoff factor. Bobby Wagner still carries championship credibility from his Super Bowl run with the Seattle Seahawks, and contenders value players with that experience when postseason expectations rise.

Right now, the San Francisco 49ers appear to be the cleaner football fit. Still, the Chicago Bears may offer linebacker Bobby Wagner a larger role and more snaps. Either way, the rumours involving the former Washington Commanders linebacker should continue to build as mandatory minicamps approach in June.

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