There are many positions on the current Patriots roster that need upgrading before, during, and after the NFL Draft. One of the neediest areas is arguably their linebacker room, as injuries and inconsistent performance during the 2025 season have shown they need more playmakers and depth to continue their rise toward becoming one of the best defenses in the league.
At this point in free agency, there aren't many game-changing superstars left unsigned, but one name does stand out above the rest: Bobby Wagner. The 10-time Pro Bowler doesn't exactly fit the ideal Mike Vrabel-desired player for the Patriots roster right now, mostly due to the fact that he's 35 years old.
However, if productivity and leadership are really things he values, as he has repeatedly stated, then there is no reason the team doesn't strongly consider bringing Wagner in, even on a one-year deal.
He's a proven threat on the field, with experience to back it up, and he's the kind of leader that Vrabel would love to have in the locker room. What more could you want?
Adding a player like Bobby Wagner to the Patriots' 2026 roster just makes sense
Because there are lingering concerns about Harold Landry III bouncing back from an injury that plagued most of his 2025 season, and Robert Spillane, who was inconsistent in his first year in New England, there are a lot of reasons to believe Wagner would be a wise choice.
Not only would the 14-year veteran help fill the voids left by the players who departed in free agency, but he would bring the kind of production the Patriots have lacked in recent years, particularly as a tackler.
One of the most consistently frustrating aspects of the team's defense over the last few years has been their missed tackle rate. That's not a concern with Wagner, who recorded 162 combined tackles during the 2025 season. On top of that, he added eight tackles for a loss, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions, four passes defended, and 4.5 sacks.
He brings versatility to the position, allowing the Patriots to use him in several ways depending on their needs, which helps if other linebackers get injured during the season.
But one of his best traits might be his leadership, as he has experienced plenty of postseason runs that resulted in a Super Bowl win.
Although his age is something to consider, and Vrabel should certainly factor it into a decision on whether to sign him, it's clear Wagner would be incredibly useful for their defense and help establish their new identity moving forward.
At the very least, he should be on a short list of potential signings, and as of this moment, nothing has been reported on that front. There is time to change that, though, before another team swoops in and takes him instead.