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Chargers could make major move for perennial All-Pro defender

Chargers could make major move for perennial All-Pro defender

THE Los Angeles Chargers were one of the best defensive teams in the NFL this season, but they’re actually facing some major questions on that side of the ball heading into the offseason.

Khalil Mack could retireJoey Bosa could be cut and the Chargers secondary – which has been brilliant in 2024 – is full of impending free agents.

As a result, there could be some roster turnover here, meaning Los Angeles may need to explore the open market for reinforcements.

Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports identified a potential candidate for the Chargers: Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Palacios says Los Angeles should “embrace” the addition of Wagner, who has earned 11 consecutive All-Pro selections. Six of them were first-team selections, but he earned second-team All-Pro honors the last four years.

“He probably won’t have full-time duties, but he has the qualities that (Jim) Harbaugh looks for in old-school defensive football,” Palacios wrote.

In fact, Wagner would likely have full-time responsibilities in Los Angeles, considering he played in 99 percent of the Commanders’ defensive snaps during the 2024 regular season and managed to rack up 132 tackles and a few sacks.

Remember: Denzel Perryman is set to hit free agency, and Wagner would be a significant upgrade over him even at age 34.

Wagner entered the NFL in 2012 and has made over 100 tackles in each of his NFL campaigns, a truly incredible feat.

Wagner’s durability is perhaps even more astonishing, as the Utah State product has only missed one game over the past six seasons.

Wagner is playing out 2024 on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, so the Chargers should absolutely be able to afford the nine-time Pro Bowler in free agency.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner.

January 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, United States; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) walks on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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