From backup to backbone: Can Logan Wilson save the Cowboys’ defense?
The Dallas Cowboys waited until the last minute to make a move, and this one appears to be overwhelming, but here’s what it could mean for the team.
Just hours before the NFL trade deadline (and after another brutal loss), the Dallas Cowboys officially made their move, and it was a defensive one. Jerry Jones struck a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire linebacker Logan Wilson in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.
Welcome to Dallas, Logan ⭐️
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 4, 2025
We have traded for LB Logan Wilson from the Bengals in exchange for a 2026 7th round pick.
📰: https://t.co/7ZU2xbUzu9 | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/VaGzQb1xh3
It seems like a small Band-Aid to cover a big, bleeding wound, but considering how porous the Dallas defense has been throughout eight weeks of the season, this move may be less about talent and more about leadership.
Can Logan Wilson be the spark the Cowboys defense needs?
The Cowboys rank near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every defensive category, allowing more than 30 points per game and struggling mightily against the run. Once viewed as a young, rising defense under Dan Quinn, the unit has fallen apart under Matt Eberflus amid injuries, blown coverages, and inconsistent tackling.
Enter Logan Wilson, a four-year veteran who’s has experience playing in big moments and knows what it takes to lead a locker room. Wilson started 50 games for the Bengals and was a key part of their 2021 Super Bowl run. He’s posted back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and built a reputation as a dependable leader on the field.
His time was over in Cincinnati, but Logan Wilson will be remembered for being a good player and playmaker. A critical member of their best teams.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) November 4, 2025
🤠pic.twitter.com/xPzWtJHnU7
Wilson’s exit from Cincinnati wasn’t without drama. After seeing a reduction in snaps in favor of younger linebackers and voicing frustration publicly, he reportedly requested a trade. The Bengals obliged, and the Cowboys jumped on it, sending over a seventh-rounder for a player they believe can immediately contribute.
In Dallas, Wilson will likely step into a prominent role alongside DeMarvion Overshown, who is finally nearing his return from a knee injury. Overshown brings speed and energy while Wilson brings experience and composure. Together, they could form the backbone of a defense trying to rediscover its toughness.
What Wilson brings...and what he doesn’t
Wilson is not the flashiest player, but he’s steady. He reads plays quickly, communicates effectively, and thrives as a tackler. Those traits should instantly help a Cowboys defense that leads the league in missed tackles.
Still, this isn’t a miracle cure. Wilson won’t singlehandedly fix Dallas’ pass rush woes or the secondary’s inconsistency. He’s not a superstar, and his impact will depend on how well he meshes with Eberflus’ system and how quickly he adjusts to new terminology and teammates.
Critics have questioned whether the trade moves the needle enough for a 3-5-1 team. But the Cowboys defense looks lost and desperate, and adding a seasoned, respected voice might be a good start at least.
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