In a move that has caught the attention of NFL fans everywhere, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially traded linebacker Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys. In exchange, Cincinnati will receive a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft—an intriguing return given Wilson's previous contributions to the team. But here's where it gets controversial: reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicate that the Cowboys didn't make any adjustments to Wilson’s existing contract to facilitate the trade. As a result, Dallas will inherit his current year's salary of approximately $2.684 million, which will count as about $2.895 million against their salary cap.
Wilson entered the league in 2020 as a third-round selection by the Bengals. Over his career so far, he’s appeared in 76 regular-season games, starting 65 of them. His stats include an impressive tally of 531 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 25 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, along with seven forced fumbles and three recoveries. Clearly, he was a significant presence on Cincinnati’s defense.
However, the recent season saw a decline in Wilson’s playing time. By Week 6, he was only on the field for 12 defensive snaps, and by Week 8, the Bengals decided to bench him altogether. Most tellingly, he was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bears right before the trade was finalized. In his last three games with Cincinnati, he primarily contributed on special teams, playing a total of 59 snaps, alongside 58 on defense.
Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor expressed appreciation for Wilson’s time with the team, noting, “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.”
This trade comes at a pivotal moment for both franchises. Cincinnati is currently on track to set some dubious NFL records—they're projected to allow 534 points this season, which would break the record set by the 2024 Panthers, and 7,042 yards, surpassing the 2012 Saints. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense ranks near the bottom, sitting at 31st overall, highlighting their urgent need for reinforcements.
And this is the part most people miss—sometimes trading away a seasoned player like Wilson isn’t just about the immediate roster needs; it’s a strategic move influenced by salary cap considerations, team direction, and future planning. Do you think Wilson will make a noticeable difference for Dallas, or is this more about managing financial flexibility? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—do you see this as a smart move or a gamble?
