The Dallas Cowboys are attempting to bolster their leaky defensive corps by acquiring veteran linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals. In exchange, Dallas will send Cincinnati a 2026 7th round draft pick.
The deal is a win-win for both sides. Dallas acquires a plug and play linebacker to help a unit that’s near the bottom of virtually every defensive metric in the league. While Cincinnati acquires an asset for a disgruntled player who recently requested a trade after losing snaps to Barrett Carter.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted at a move earlier this week on one of his regular radio interviews, while also insinuating that other moves could also be in the pipeline. As for Wilson, Jones believes he can play a similar role to what Leighton Vander Esch did for the team.
“For what we need right now, he can come in immediately and help us at linebacker,” Jones said. “Some guys have the ability to see a certain key and at the same time take a step up in the hole. [Wilson] knows how to get in the gaps right now.”
Wilson’s former head coach Zac Taylor released a prepared statement following the deal saying “I appreciate everything Logan has done as a player and as a person during his time in Cincinnati. He has been a central part of our defense over the past six years, and he will be remembered as a leader in our locker room. I wish him the best moving forward.”
Dallas has been leaning heavily on Kenneth Murray Jr. at the linebacker spot, while rotating through Jack Sanborn, Shemar James, Marist Liufau, and Damone Clark at various points throughout the season at the other LB positions.
Across 8 games (7 starts) for Cincinnati this year, Wilson has totalled 46 tackles (19 solo, 27 assisted), 4 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery. His best year as a pro came in 2023 when he recorded 4 interceptions, 135 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, and 9 passes defended.
The 29 year old is under contract for another 2 seasons beyond this one, though Dallas could have a potential out following the 2025 NFL campaign if it isn’t a good fit down in Texas. With the Cowboys on a bye this week, Wilson will have extra time to get up to speed in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ system.
Dallas will return to action on Monday, November 17th for a clash with the Las Vegas Raiders in primetime which will serve as Wilson’s official Cowboys debut.
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