Which Commander will fill leadership vacuum left by Bobby Wagner?

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

The Washington Commanders began their final week of Organized Team Activities (OTAa) on Tuesday. One of the obvious absences for this 2026 team is their vocal defensive leader, linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner remains unsigned by any NFL team and is thus still a free agent.

Wagner was clearly the focused player-leader of the 2024 and 2025 teams. It was Wagner who studied the film, helped instruct young players, helped set the tone for the workweek, and prepared for that week’s regular-season game.

No more Bobby Wagner.

Who will be the new leader of the Commanders defense?

I asked Dan Quinn that question. His answer 🔽🔽🔽 pic.twitter.com/lAjmIgKTE5

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 9, 2026

Scott Abraham, the sports anchor for Washington’s ABC 7, asked Commanders head coach Dan Quinn about the leadership vacuum with Wagner not returning for the 2026 season.

“I think at the three locations, what does that look like?”, expressed Quinn in response to Abraham. “As the team chemistry continues to grow, the voice I am hearing, Frankie (Luvu), is certainly one.”

Luvu was an impactful player on the 2024 defensive unit, but in 2025, Luvu often went down to defensive end because of the team’s need. Not being able to play his better-suited position was harmful to him and, in turn, to the defensive unit as a whole.

“I’m certainly feeling all of Mikie’s intent (Sanristil). He’s been one of the hardest workers we’ve had through this offseason. I can imagine many a day here seeing him and JK (Javon Kinlaw) here early in the mornings, going through their process. So, those are just a few who have elevated leading the work.”

Quinn cautioned Abraham that the head coach would simply and quickly choose a replacement for Wagner’s leadership. “It’s not just something that you hand out. It needs to be garnered more over time. We knew there was certainly going to be a void with Wags (gone), like no s—, DQ, right?” But that part, he is one of the most incredible leaders I’ve been around.”

But it also now allows space to see what could take place, what can happen, who can elevate? So I like being aware of that, watching and seeing. The rookies aren’t there yet. That is not their space. They haven’t gone into that. That would take more time, even as good as Jayden (Daniels) started (in 2024).”

Quinn wrapped it up, stating, “There have been a number of steps up so far, but I would say it is not one singular voice today.”

Clearly, every team needs a good leader, and it’s also true that, with Wagner having been such a leader, someone will need to step into the role and earn the ear of the rest of the defensive unit.

This is the final week of OTAs, which run from June 9-11. Then, exactly one week later, the Washington Commanders‘ mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 16-18. The operative word there, of course, was “mandatory.” But this OTA three-day session is optional.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Who can replace Bobby Wagner as a leader?