We’re less than four weeks away from the start of the 2026 regular season, and the Indianapolis Colts are still putting the finishing touches on their roster. The team just added much-needed depth at the wide receiver position by signing veteran pass-catcher Keenan Allen. That was a smart decision by the Colts, but it shouldn’t be their last.
Indianapolis has other holes on its roster that need to be filled. While it’s too late to make splashy signings, the Colts still have time to use savvy moves at the tail end of the offseason to add key reinforcements.
As things stand, the Indianapolis linebacker room looks particularly vulnerable this year. The current group doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Before the season officially kicks off, the Colts should pursue another option to give them the best chance at survival.
Signing Bobby Wagner is a no-brainer move for the Indianapolis Colts
It's been a transformative offseason for the Colts’ linebacker unit. Both starters from 2025 are no longer on the roster. Indianapolis traded former team captain and All-Pro Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers, while deciding to not re-sign veteran Germaine Pratt.
It appears the 2026 linebacker rotation will be headlined by second-round rookie CJ Allen, new arrival Akeem Davis-Gaither, and a bunch of other uncertain options.
Over the past few months, the Colts have intentionally tried to get younger and cheaper at the linebacker position. They’ve accomplished that. But the change also leaves them with an inexperienced and unproven group that is impossible to trust right now.
To be clear, there are no obvious or perfect free agent solutions for Indianapolis’ linebacker dilemma. The best candidates were snapped up early in the offseason and given massive contracts. However, there are still players available who could offer immediate value.
At the top of that list, and somehow still on the market, is former Super Bowl champion, 10-time Pro Bowler, and three-time NFL tackles leader Bobby Wagner. The 36-year-old linebacker may no longer be in prime shape, but his production remains strong. Just last season, Wagner racked up 162 total tackles for the Washington Commanders — the fifth-most in the league.
Despite his age, Wagner is still a starter-level player. He can track the ball and stop the run effectively. And his high football IQ hasn’t declined at all. There is no doubt that Wagner has enough gas left in the tank to provide an instant boost to any NFL team.
Wagner’s durability would be another benefit, especially for a defense that seems constantly cursed with injuries. Over the course of his 14-year NFL career, he’s played at least 15 games in all but two seasons. Recently, he's been on a remarkable injury-free streak and hasn’t missed a single game since January 2022.
Beyond the statistics, Wagner’s leadership may be just as valuable to Indianapolis as his triple-digit tackles. Adding a veteran presence and wise voice to the locker room could be a game-changer. The Colts’ current linebackers have potential, but they’re raw and young. They would absolutely benefit from Wagner’s mentorship.
Once again, at this stage of his career, Wagner probably can’t deliver elite All-Pro performances anymore. Fortunately, the Colts don’t need that. They have enough talent across the roster to be competitive. The focus now is improving on the margins. Signing Wagner to a cheap, one-year deal would be a risk-free bargain that could end up being a steal.
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