Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders may have already moved past the recent 26-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, led by Cooper Rush at QB, but the game continues to echo in the NFL world as the league announced the Week 12 fines. Among those who faced penalties is Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, a pivotal leader on the team’s defense.
The 34-year-old veteran, known for his experience and leadership, found himself in a surprising situation. Despite being one of the most seasoned players on a team that is currently navigating the challenges of a rookie quarterback in Daniels, Wagner drew a hefty $16,883 fine from the NFL for roughing the passer, specifically for contact to the knee or below. This fine raises eyebrows, especially considering Wagner’s extensive career and knowledge of the game.
Bobby Wagner punished by the NFL for low hit on Rush
The incident that led to Wagner’s fine occurred at a critical moment in the game. With 14:17 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Cowboys facing a second and 11, Wagner went low on Rush just as the quarterback completed a seven-yard pass to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The referees were quick to react, flagging Wagner for the violation and granting the Cowboys an automatic first down at their own 45-yard line.
While the play did not result in immediate points for Dallas—who ultimately failed to score on that drive—it certainly proved costly for Wagner’s wallet. This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly a moment of aggression can lead to significant financial repercussions in the NFL.
Wagner gets one of the biggest fines of the week by the NFL
Wagner’s fine places him among the highest penalties issued in Week 12. He was tied with Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart, who was penalized for an unnecessary roughness call due to a blindside block, both receiving fines of $16,883. The only players with higher fines that week were Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Donte Jackson, each fined $22,511 for unnecessary roughness involving the use of the helmet.
This situation raises questions about the balance between aggressive play and player safety in the NFL. With fines becoming a common consequence for roughing the passer violations, players must navigate the fine line between making impactful plays and avoiding financial penalties.
The fine hierarchy
To put Wagner’s fine into perspective, here’s a breakdown of the highest fines from Week 12:
- $22,511.00 – Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet) and Donte Jackson (Pittsburgh Steelers, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $16,883.00 – M.J. Stewart (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – blindside block) and Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders, Roughing the Passer – contact to the knee or below)
- $15,236.00 – Malik Harrison (Baltimore Ravens, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $11,255.00 – Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns, Unsportsmanlike Conduct – taunting), Neville Hewitt (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit), Azeez Al-Shaair (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit), and Damontae Kazee (Pittsburgh Steelers, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit).
- $10,378.00 – Jordan Hicks (Cleveland Browns, Roughing the Passer – body weight)
- $8,856.32 – Jackson Powers-Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit)
- $6,594.00 – Coby Bryant (Seattle Seahawks, Unsportsmanlike Conduct – obscene gestures)
- $5,472.00 – Mike Brown (Tennessee Titans, Unnecessary Roughness – hip-drop tackle) and Vederian Lowe (New England Patriots, Unnecessary Roughness – blindside block).
- $5,106.48 – Julian Hill (Miami Dolphins, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $5,083.00 – Daniel Hardy (Chicago Bears, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit)
The NFL’s commitment to player safety is evident, but it also raises the stakes for players like Wagner, who must adjust their game to avoid costly penalties. As the league continues to enforce these rules, players will need to be more strategic in their approach to tackling and defensive plays.
The aftermath of the Commanders’ loss to the Cowboys serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from a single play. For Wagner, this fine is not just a financial hit; it also reflects the ongoing evolution of the game and the increasing emphasis on protecting quarterbacks.
As the season progresses, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these fines impact gameplay and player decisions on the field. Will players adjust their tactics to avoid penalties, or will the competitive nature of the game lead to more costly mistakes? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: in the NFL, every play counts, and the repercussions can be felt long after the final whistle blows.
