Cowboys Land $36 Million AFC North Star in Deadline Trade
The Dallas Cowboys backed up their pre-deadline talk with action, completing a trade for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson just before the 2025 NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 4.
Multiple reports confirmed the deal, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano noting, “Logan Wilson was a player the Bengals weren’t using much and had requested a trade. So Dallas is acquiring a player from a defense that’s arguably the only one worse than theirs.”
While full trade details are still emerging, Wilson had recently lost playing time to rookie Barrett Carter.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted at the move on Monday, November 3, before Dallas’ 27–17 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, saying a deal was in place. He reaffirmed that statement after the game.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter later confirmed the specifics: “The Cowboys are finalizing a trade to acquire Bengals MLB Logan Wilson. Earlier Monday, Jerry Jones told Stephen A. Smith that the Cowboys had made a move ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Cincinnati had been seeking a sixth-round pick in return.” Wilson is currently in the second year of a four-year, $36 million contract extension he signed in July 2023, which still has two years remaining after this season.
Dallas, ranked 31st in total defense, desperately needed help at linebacker. Starter DeMarvion Overshown remains sidelined with his second ACL tear in as many years and isn’t expected back until at least Thanksgiving Day against Kansas City. The team also placed Jack Sanborn on injured reserve with a groin injury prior to the Cardinals game; Sanborn had 34 tackles in six appearances this season after signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal in March.
Proven Defensive Talent
Wilson, 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, was a two-time All-Mountain West selection at Wyoming before being drafted by Cincinnati in the third round (No. 65 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter in his second year — the same season the Bengals made their surprising Super Bowl run.
Over the past four seasons, Wilson has surpassed 100 tackles each year and built a reputation as a playmaker, totaling 12 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 26 pass breakups, 19 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits. Through eight games this season, he’s recorded 46 tackles and one fumble recovery.
While his production is undeniable, Wilson’s contract could make the move a significant financial commitment for Dallas. He’s owed roughly half of his $5.9 million salary this year, with salaries of $6.55 million in 2026 and $7.21 million in 2027 still on the books.
Still, for a Cowboys defense in dire need of leadership and consistency, Wilson’s arrival could provide the spark they’ve been missing.
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