Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden joined the Trap or Dive Podcast to discuss Deebo Samuel and the Commanders offseason plans
Former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has turned into an exceptional football analyst since he began creating content and sharing his opinion. Furthermore, he could not be any happier with the success of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season and will always have a connection to the team, giving plenty of his thoughts starting with “we” when discussing the team.
Heading into the start of free agency, the Commanders have begun re-signing some players. Tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates, punter Tress Way, and kicker Zane Gonzalez have all re-signed with the team. The Commanders had also moved on from defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, releasing him before free agency officially began.
One of the more significant re-signings for Washington, Bobby Wagner, came with the most commentary. Wagner was excellent for the Commanders in 2024. Gruden, who joined the Trap or Dive podcast on the most recent episode, loved what Wagner brought to the team. Wagner’s leadership and mental acuity were exceptional, creating headaches for opposing offenses. He was also a solid run defender and excellent as a blitzer for Washington last season. Wagner’s season led to another Pro Bowl and All-Pro bid at his age 34 season. The questions with Wagner, though, surrounded what he lacked. Washington lost speed and athleticism with Wagner on the field, and he was not always the most gap-disciplined linebacker, all of which hurt Washington in some situations.
Gruden acknowledged the pros and cons of Wagner’s game during the episode. But he still advocated for Wagner being a Commander in 2025 and suggested that Adam Peters and the staff begin looking for his replacement as early as free agency or the NFL draft. It’s speaking the obvious to some measure; however, if Washington did find a linebacker they thought fit the mold, would they begin taking some of Wagner’s snaps in certain situations? 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Magee was available eight games for the Commanders as a rookie, and he may be someone they view as Wagner’s successor, but it is hard to count on a player who was mostly unavailable.
You can listen to the full Trap or Dive episode with Jay Gruden below. We also discussed:
- Deebo Samuel’s fit with Washington
- Thoughts on Ben Sinnott, Luke McCaffrey, and Brandon Coleman’s future
- How Jayden Daniels could avoid the “sophomore slump”
- Gruden’s biggest regrets while head coach of the Redskins
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