Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu were two of the Washington Commanders' best defensive players last season, and there are high expectations for what they can accomplish in Year Two with the Burgundy & Gold.
Wagner and Luvu were both listed as part of Pro Football Focus' top 32 linebackers heading into the 2025 season. Wagner, the oldest player on the list, was ranked third after recording his 13th 100-tackle season, tying London Fletcher for the most all-time, while Luvu ranked 14th thanks to posting a career-high eight sacks.
The Commanders were one of just six teams to have multiple players make PFF's list.
"Wagner is entering his age-35 season but has shown no signs of slowing down," wrote PFF's Mason Cameron. "While his PFF coverage grade has dipped over the past two seasons, Wagner remains an elite run defender (91.2 PFF grade), tackler (86.3) and blitzer (90.9)."
Both Wagner and Luvu were part of general manager Adam Peters' first free agent class and efforts to reestablish the team's culture. The Commanders hit on both players, as they instantly placed themselves as leaders on the defense as the unit's most productive pieces and mentors for younger players. Together, they combined for 231 tackles, 10 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and four fumble recoveries.
"Bobby Wagner's as cool as you can get in just about every scenario, and then next to him is Frankie, who is wound up as wild and fun as you can get," said head coach Dan Quinn. "So, it's nice to have the balance of both of them doing their thing."
Wagner continued to flaunt his reliability during the 2024 season, as he started his 200th game in 202 appearances. Cameron also noted that Wagner "led all qualifying linebackers in PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades in 2024" and that he recorded a 91 grade against the run for the third consecutive season.
Luvu was used more as a blitzer with Washington than previously in his career, lining up near the line of scrimmage on 288 snaps, thanks to his quickness and athleticism. It led to him getting 14 quarterback hits -- a career-high -- and generating 42 total pressures, which ranked second among linebackers. He also led his position with five batted down passes.
Wagner and Luvu became a formidable tandem last season thanks to the mix of Wagner's experience and Luvu's athletic traits. That relationship was one of the reasons the Commanders wanted to re-sign Wagner this offseason, and the hope is that they can replicate their success with another season working together.
"Another season next to Bobby Wagner gives Luvu more potential to expand his game in 2025." Cameron wrote.
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