Logan Wilson Joins Cowboys: What His Trade Means for Both Teams’ Defenses

Logan Wilson Trade: Bengals Commit to Youth, Cowboys Seek Stability

In a move that may reshape the defensive landscape for both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys, veteran linebacker Logan Wilson has been traded to Dallas for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal, finalized just hours before the 2025 trade deadline, signals a clear direction for both franchises: youth and renewal for the Bengals, and immediate reinforcement for a struggling Cowboys defense.

Bengals’ Linebacker Evolution: A New Era Begins

Wilson’s departure was preceded by significant changes in Cincinnati’s linebacker rotation. Since the October 12 game against Green Bay, rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter have steadily claimed starting roles. Head coach Zac Taylor entrusted Carter with the green dot helmet—designating him as the defensive playcaller—a responsibility previously shouldered by Wilson, a testament to the Bengals’ commitment to their younger players.

Carter, a fourth-round pick out of Clemson, has quickly made his mark, delivering three double-digit tackling games in his first four starts. Meanwhile, Knight, a second-round selection from South Carolina, leads all rookie linebackers in combined tackles with 68, according to Pro Football Reference. The pair’s rapid development has impressed Taylor, who praised their maturity and leadership qualities: “We see the potential with these guys. There are going to be learning moments, but I believe in them.”

Wilson’s reduced role—and a recent calf injury—paved the way for this youth movement. When Wilson missed last Sunday’s game, Taylor reiterated his trust in the rookies, emphasizing the importance of giving them live reps and allowing them to grow into leadership roles. It’s a bold strategy, one that prioritizes long-term development over immediate veteran stability.

Logan Wilson: Bengals Captain, Defensive Anchor, and Now a Cowboy

Drafted in the third round in 2020, Logan Wilson quickly became a fixture in Cincinnati’s defense. Voted captain this season, he leaves the Bengals as their longest-tenured defensive player, with 73 games under his belt. His stat sheet is impressive: 11 regular-season interceptions—the most by any linebacker since 2020—and a string of memorable performances that have etched his name into Bengals lore.

Wilson’s knack for timely plays is legendary. Perhaps his most iconic moment came in the 2021 AFC Divisional, when he snagged a deflected pass with 20 seconds left in Tennessee, setting up the game-winning field goal. That same season, he recorded a two-interception, 14-tackle game in Pittsburgh and amassed a career-high 17 tackles against the Browns during the team’s 10-game win streak. In 2023, he intercepted Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice in a narrow Thursday night victory.

Yet, for all his highlights, Wilson’s Bengals legacy is tinged with controversy. In Super Bowl LVI, he was flagged for holding while covering Cooper Kupp on a crucial third-and-eight—a call hotly debated by fans and analysts. A minute later, the Rams scored the game-winning touchdown.

With Wilson gone, defensive tackle B.J. Hill now claims the title of longest-serving Bengal defender, followed by defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

Cowboys’ Defensive Struggles: Can Wilson Turn the Tide?

For the Cowboys, the Wilson trade is a calculated gamble. The Dallas defense has been in disarray since trading away star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Packers before the season began—a move that netted draft picks but left a leadership void. The Cowboys currently rank near the bottom of the league in points allowed, surrendering 30.8 per game (31st in the NFL), with last season’s average not much better at 27.5.

The urgency for change was palpable after Monday night’s 27-17 loss to the Cardinals, where backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett posted a 115.1 passer rating against Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones, 83, acknowledged the need to act quickly, telling reporters he has a “natural urgency” to win now. Wilson’s arrival is expected to bring immediate stability, especially given his experience as a defensive captain and his ball-hawking ability.

Wilson’s 54.8 overall grade from PFF is already higher than all three of Dallas’ current starting linebackers, suggesting he’ll slot in as a starter. The Cowboys, now 3-5-1, face a critical stretch against the Raiders, Eagles, and Chiefs—teams with potent offenses that will test Wilson’s impact from the outset.

Inside the Trade: Why Wilson Wanted Out

Wilson’s trade request wasn’t about money or locker room drama—it was about playing time. As his snap count diminished in favor of younger players, Wilson sought an opportunity to start elsewhere. The Cowboys, desperate for leadership and production, offered him just that. For Cincinnati, the trade delivers a future draft asset and clears the way for their young linebackers to grow without veteran shadow.

It’s a story familiar in the NFL: a proven veteran making way for the next generation, while another team bets on experience to stabilize a faltering unit.

What Comes Next: High Stakes for Both Sides

For Cincinnati, the rest of the season will be a proving ground for Knight and Carter. Their performance could validate Taylor’s vision, transforming a gamble into a blueprint for sustainable success. For Dallas, Wilson’s impact may be felt immediately—or not at all. If he helps stem the defensive bleeding, the trade will look like a steal. If the struggles persist, it may signal deeper issues that go beyond personnel.

Both franchises have staked their defensive futures on this deal, each hoping for a turnaround—one betting on youth, the other on experience.

The Logan Wilson trade is more than a routine roster move. It’s a crossroads for two NFL teams, each confronting their own challenges. Cincinnati’s commitment to rookies could shape their identity for years, while Dallas’ hope in a veteran’s leadership is a high-stakes test of urgency and ambition. Ultimately, this deal underscores how the NFL’s shifting landscape rewards bold choices—and how, sometimes, the fate of a season hangs on a single trade.