Cincinnati Bengals Trade Linebacker Logan Wilson to Cowboys for Draft Pick

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially traded linebacker Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys for a seventh-round draft pick in 2026. This decision comes after Wilson, a team captain and a pivotal figure in the Bengals’ defense, expressed dissatisfaction over a significant decrease in his playing time.

According to Deadspin, Wilson's trade request followed a sharp decline in snap counts, where he played just 19.7% of the defensive snaps during the Bengals' Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Following this, he was benched in Week 8 and did not participate in the game against the Bears, which likely accelerated the trade discussions.

The Bengals, struggling defensively this season, are currently ranked 32nd in the league, allowing an alarming average of 33.3 points and 426.6 yards per game, as reported by Pro Football Talk. Wilson's departure raises significant concerns about the team's defensive capabilities moving forward, particularly since he had been a consistent performer, achieving over 100 tackles in each of the last four seasons.

The Bengals' head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged Wilson's contributions, noting his leadership and impact on the locker room. In contrast, the Cowboys, who rank as the second-worst defense in the league, are hoping Wilson can bring much-needed experience and skill, especially with his record of 11 interceptions, which is the highest among linebackers since he entered the NFL.

Wilson’s initial performance with the Bengals, starting from his third-round selection in the 2020 draft, included 531 tackles, 25 passes defended, and seven forced fumbles, making him a valuable asset for the Cowboys.

This trade represents a strategic shift for the Bengals, who appear to be looking to rebuild and address locker room issues that have been brewing, particularly concerning other players' frustrations with the current system.

As the trade deadline approaches, Cincinnati's decision to move on from Wilson signals a possible shift in focus towards younger players and a long-term vision for the franchise. The implications of this trade could resonate throughout the remainder of the season, especially as the Bengals seek to turn their fortunes around in a challenging season.

The Cowboys now inherit Wilson's remaining contract, which includes two years on a four-year, $36 million extension he signed in 2023, and will count $2.895 million against their salary cap this year. This trade also reflects the urgency felt by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is on a mission to improve his team amidst their struggles on defense.

Overall, Wilson's trade is a significant moment in Bengals history, marking the end of an era for one of the last remnants of the Super Bowl-contending defense from a few years ago.