The Dallas Cowboys trade for Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Explore details on the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson move, contract terms, defensive impact, stats, and how this trade could reshape Dallas’ playoff hopes.
Cowboys Trade Logan Wilson: Dallas Bolsters Defense with Bengals Linebacker Before NFL Trade Deadline 2025
The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson move has sent waves across the NFL landscape. In a strategic midseason transaction, the Dallas Cowboys acquired veteran linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. This decision, confirmed by Jerry Jones during his Tuesday radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan, signals the Cowboys’ intent to address one of their biggest weaknesses — their struggling defense.
Let’s dive deep into the full analysis of the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson, including the trade details, impact on both teams, Logan Wilson’s stats, and how this move could influence Dallas’ playoff outlook.
Table of Contents
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Trade Details | Cowboys send 2026 7th-round pick to Bengals |
| Player Profile | Logan Wilson: Four straight 100-tackle seasons |
| Cowboys’ Defensive Woes | Ranked 31st in total defense |
| Bengals’ Perspective | Promoting rookies Barrett Carter & Demetrius Knight Jr. |
| Impact on Cowboys Linebacker Depth | Wilson joins Kenneth Murray Jr. & Jack Sanborn |
| Playoff Implications | Dallas at 3-5-1 with 9% playoff chance |
| Upcoming Games | Raiders, Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Chargers |
The Trade Details: Cowboys Acquire Logan Wilson
In the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson deal, Dallas sent a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Cincinnati Bengals. The move is low-risk but potentially high-reward for the Cowboys, who desperately needed stability at linebacker.
Jerry Jones emphasized that Wilson’s experience and instinct make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.
“For what we need right now, he can come in immediately and help us at linebacker,” said Jerry Jones.
This transaction came shortly after the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which exposed major gaps in their defensive front. The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson decision came just hours before the NFL trade deadline 2025, demonstrating urgency from Dallas’ front office to correct course before the season slips away.
Who Is Logan Wilson? A Veteran Leader with Bengals Pedigree
Logan Wilson, age 29, has been a standout for the Cincinnati Bengals since being drafted in 2020. He recorded 100+ tackles in each of the past four seasons, cementing himself as one of the most consistent linebackers in the league.
| Logan Wilson Career Stats (as of 2025) | Value |
|---|---|
| Seasons Played | 6 |
| Total Tackles | 542 |
| Sacks | 8.5 |
| Interceptions | 7 |
| Forced Fumbles | 5 |
| Pass Deflections | 20 |
Wilson signed a four-year, $36 million extension in 2023 but saw reduced playing time in 2025 as rookie Barrett Carter emerged as the Bengals’ new defensive leader. Despite being benched in Week 6, Wilson remained a team captain — highlighting his leadership and locker room value.
The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson move gives Dallas a veteran with deep playoff experience, including the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI run.
Cowboys’ Defensive Struggles: A Crisis in the Making
Before the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson, Dallas ranked 31st in the NFL in both total defense (397.4 yards per game) and scoring defense (30.8 points per game) — ahead of only the Bengals. Opponents have scored their season-high points in five of the Cowboys’ last six games, highlighting how porous their defense has been.
Defensive Ranking Comparison (Pre-Trade)
| Category | Cowboys | NFL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Total Defense | 397.4 YPG | 31st |
| Scoring Defense | 30.8 PPG | 31st |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 136.2 YPG | 29th |
| Turnover Differential | -6 | 28th |
Adding Logan Wilson brings tackling reliability, positional awareness, and coverage skills that the Cowboys’ current linebacker rotation sorely lacks.
Bengals’ Perspective: Transitioning to the Next Generation
For the Cincinnati Bengals, trading Logan Wilson was both a financial and developmental move. With rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. emerging as the new defensive core, the Bengals opted to give their young players more snaps.
Coach Zac Taylor stated:
“Logan has been a central part of our defense over the past six years. He will be remembered as a leader in our locker room. We wish him the best moving forward.”
The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson not only gives Dallas a veteran presence but also frees the Bengals to accelerate their defensive rebuild without locker room friction.
How Logan Wilson Fits in the Cowboys Linebacker Rotation
Dallas has struggled with consistency at linebacker since Leighton Vander Esch’s departure. Kenneth Murray Jr. has been the only stable presence, while Jack Sanborn, Shemar James, Marist Liufau, and Damone Clark have rotated inconsistently.
Projected Cowboys Linebacker Depth Chart (Post-Trade)
| Player | Role | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Wilson | Starting MLB | 6 Years |
| Kenneth Murray Jr. | WLB | 5 Years |
| Jack Sanborn | SLB | 3 Years |
| Shemar James | Backup | Rookie |
| Marist Liufau | Depth | Rookie |
| Damone Clark | Depth | 2 Years |
Wilson’s arrival provides immediate leadership and run-stopping capabilities. He’s also expected to mentor younger players like Shemar James, giving Dallas both short-term help and long-term stability.
Cowboys Playoff Outlook After the Logan Wilson Trade
At 3-5-1, the Cowboys are currently second in the NFC East but trail the Philadelphia Eagles by 3.5 games. According to ESPN Analytics, their playoff odds sit at just 9%. However, the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson might be the first step toward a late-season turnaround.
Dallas enters a bye week before facing the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football (Nov. 17). This gives Wilson time to integrate into defensive schemes before a brutal five-game stretch against:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Los Angeles Chargers
The Cowboys need defensive stops to stay competitive in this stretch, and Logan Wilson could be the key difference-maker.
NFL Analysts React to the Cowboys Trade Logan Wilson Deal
NFL analysts praised the Cowboys for finding a budget-friendly solution to their defensive woes. According to Seth Walder of ESPN, Wilson “fits the Cowboys’ scheme perfectly” due to his ability to read offensive plays and plug running lanes quickly.
Meanwhile, fans in Dallas have expressed excitement online, calling this the “Leighton Vander Esch 2.0” moment for the franchise — a sentiment even Jerry Jones echoed when he compared Wilson’s playstyle to Vander Esch’s.
Contract and Cap Impact of the Logan Wilson Trade
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract | 4 years, $36 million (signed in 2023) |
| Remaining Term | 2 years |
| Cowboys’ 2025 Cap Hit | Approx. $8.5 million |
| Bengals’ Dead Money | $2.1 million |
| Trade Compensation | 2026 7th-Round Pick |
The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson not only addresses defensive needs but also fits comfortably within Dallas’ salary cap structure.
What This Trade Means for Both Teams
- For Dallas Cowboys: A much-needed defensive leader who can immediately start and elevate team chemistry.
- For Cincinnati Bengals: A cost-saving, future-focused move that accelerates the development of young defenders.
Both teams gain something crucial: Dallas gets defensive reliability; Cincinnati gains flexibility.
FAQs About the Cowboys Trade Logan Wilson
1. What did the Cowboys give up for Logan Wilson?
The Cowboys traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for linebacker Logan Wilson.
2. Why did the Bengals trade Logan Wilson?
Cincinnati wanted to promote rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., while freeing salary cap space for future roster building.
3. When will Logan Wilson debut for the Cowboys?
Wilson is expected to make his debut after the bye week, on November 17, 2025, against the Las Vegas Raiders.
4. How long is Logan Wilson under contract?
He has two years remaining on his four-year, $36 million extension signed in July 2023.
5. How does this affect the Cowboys’ playoff hopes?
With defensive improvements, Dallas’ playoff odds (currently 9%) could improve if Wilson stabilizes the linebacker corps.
Conclusion: Cowboys Trade Logan Wilson Signals a Defensive Reboot
The Cowboys trade Logan Wilson marks a pivotal moment in Dallas’ 2025 season. With one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Cowboys needed experience, leadership, and tackling consistency — and they found all three in Wilson.
If the veteran linebacker adjusts quickly, this trade could redefine the Cowboys’ defensive identity and keep their playoff hopes alive. For Cincinnati, it’s the start of a new defensive chapter centered around youth and speed.
As the NFL trade deadline 2025 passes, the Cowboys trade Logan Wilson will likely be remembered as one of the most impactful midseason moves — a smart, strategic gamble by Jerry Jones that could pay off big time.