Bobby Wagner has excelled from Day 1 in the NFL and shows no signs of slowing, yet he’s already excited about the youth movement taking shape around him in Washington’s defense entering 2025.
Wagner secured another one-year deal with the Commanders this offseason—his 14th season—earning second-team All‑Pro honors and sparking a major shift in the locker room culture. But as a future Hall‑of‑Famer, he’s also realistic: his time in the spotlight is finite. That means it’s time for the next generation to step up—and Wagner is particularly impressed by the progress of second‑year linebacker Jordan Magee.
During the first practice of training camp, Wagner specifically praised Magee, noting how the added experience allows him to “focus on being the best linebacker, not everything else that comes with the game.” He emphasized Magee’s preparation, comfort in the scheme, and growing confidence.
That endorsement echoes the wider buzz around Magee. Nicki Jhabvala reported that he’s taking “a lot of reps at minicamp” that Wagner doesn’t need and appears far more confident. Meanwhile, Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have noted his speed, burst, and command of the defense—highlighting how his quickness is exactly what top-flight linebackers possess and that he’s earning run-game packages
All of this adds up to Warner’s message: Wagner is mentoring Magee as a potential heir, and the young linebacker is ready to embrace it—and prove he can carry the torch long-term.
LIVE: LB Bobby Wagner speaks to the media after today's camp practice https://t.co/ZDHj2E99LI
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 23, 2025
Jordan Magee showed major promise last offseason before a knee injury sidelined him and limited his rookie season. He returned mid-campaign but saw action mostly on special teams. Now, both he and the coaching staff are setting their sights much higher for 2025.
Coach Joe Whitt Jr. has made it clear he’s ready to lean more on three-linebacker sets next season, with Magee firmly in the mix for that third LB role thanks to his offseason growth—something that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The former Temple standout brings elite athleticism and physicality—traits Whitt and head coach Dan Quinn have praised, saying he “plays square and he’s got real speed”. But it’s his force at the point of contact that really stands out. With refinement in technique and more game reps, Magee has the potential to become a star starter for Washington.
Plus, learning alongside a veteran like Bobby Wagner will only accelerate his development. Whitt noted Magee has “had great call command,” and with Wagner mentoring him, the rookie’s growth is being fast-tracked . And as long as Wagner’s around, Magee will be pushed to full capacity—that’s a guarantee.