EDITOR'S NOTE: The Cowboys traded for Jets standout defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in a blockbuster deal later Tuesday, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoprt, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported.
So Jerry Jones did make a trade after all.
The Dallas Cowboys acquired veteran linebacker Logan Wilson in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, per sources informed of the deal. The Cowboys sent a 2026 seventh-round pick back to the Bengals, Rapoport added.
Cincinnati later announced the deal.
Wilson, a six-year pro, requested a trade out of Cincinnati after his snaps were slashed earlier this season. Now he lands in Dallas to help an equally struggling defense turn things around.
A third-round pick in 2020 out of Wyoming, Wilson grew into a sturdy starter in the middle of Lou Anarumo's defense. A reliable tackler who was stellar in coverage, the linebacker generated 11 interceptions, six forced fumbles, 25 passes defensed, 5.5 sacks and 541 tackles in five-plus seasons in Cincy. Since taking over as a full-time starter in 2021, Wilson has generated four consecutive 100-tackle seasons, including 104 in just 11 games last season.
However, with defensive coordinator Al Golden taking over, and the Bengals opting to go with younger players, Wilson's playing time was curtailed. He played just 58 snaps from Weeks 6-8. He did not play in Week 9 due to a calf injury. Presumably, the injury won't hinder his transition to Dallas.
With fourth-round rookie Barrett Carter taking more snaps, Wilson requested a trade. The Bengals finally made the move ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.
"I appreciate everything Logan has done as a player and as a person during his time in Cincinnati," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. "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."
Cincinnati's young linebackers, Barrett and second-rounder Demetrius Knight Jr., have struggled mightily this season, often getting out of position and misplaying snaps in both the run and pass games. Cincy is baptizing them with fire, hoping that eventually they come out on the other side and become successful Day 2 draft picks -- like Wilson.
The veteran linebacker heads from one bad defense to another. Through nine games, the Bengals have allowed 3,839 total yards on 600 plays for a 6.4 yards per play average, all worst in the league. The Cowboys are second in yards allowed with 3,577 and fourth in YPP at 6.1.
Dallas needed help in the middle of the defense, where veteran Kenneth Murray and fifth-round rookie Shemar James have struggled against both the run and pass. The run defense has been particularly problematic, with linebackers repeatedly getting out of their lanes. The hope is that Wilson's experience can help bolster the middle of the defense and plug the leaky run game.
On Monday, Jones intimated that he’d agreed to a trade, before later walking back those comments after a 27-17 home loss to the Cardinals. Despite sitting at 3-5-1 heading into the bye, the Cowboys still pulled the trigger on a trade. Giving up a seventh-rounder isn't an awful price, but it's certainly not nothing -- especially when pick swaps have gotten deals done.
The question is whether Jones is done trying to improve his defense in the short term or whether he'll shell out more future draft picks to help a unit that has been worked over in 2025.
Wilson signed a four-year extension in 2023 and is under contract through 2027.
