Dallas Cowboys Release Logan Wilson in Early Offseason Move

The NFL offseason is officially underway, and the Dallas Cowboys are moving quickly to adjust their roster. One of the team’s first notable transactions came Friday with the release of veteran linebacker Logan Wilson.

Wilson, 29, was acquired by Dallas in a midseason trade from the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in seven games for the Cowboys during the 2025-26 campaign. In those appearances, he recorded 24 tackles, mostly in a backup role, and started just one game for the team.

Reports indicate that releasing Wilson allows the Cowboys to free up $6.5 million in salary cap space, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. This move reflects the organization’s broader focus on roster flexibility as it heads into the offseason.

For Wilson, the release means entering free agency, where he will have the opportunity to find a team that can offer him a more prominent role and potentially a return to the starting lineup.

1. Wilson’s Role with the Cowboys

During his brief tenure in Dallas, Wilson primarily served as a reserve linebacker. While he brought experience and reliability to the defensive unit, the Cowboys’ coaching staff utilized him sparingly compared to his consistent starting role in Cincinnati. The six-year veteran made his presence felt when on the field, demonstrating strong coverage skills and consistent tackling ability. However, limited playing time meant he could not replicate the impact he had as a regular starter with the Bengals. Wilson finished the 2025 season with 70 combined tackles—34 solo—along with five pass deflections, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. This marked the first season since 2020 that he did not reach 100 combined tackles, highlighting both his reduced playing time and the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. Despite the limitations, Wilson’s veteran experience and football IQ provided depth to the linebacker corps, particularly in passing situations and situational packages.

2. Career Overview

Logan Wilson’s NFL journey has been defined by consistency and versatility. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, he quickly became a reliable starter and an integral part of their defense, known for his ability to cover tight ends and running backs while contributing to the tackle totals. During his time in Cincinnati, Wilson regularly exceeded 100 combined tackles and displayed leadership on and off the field. His skill set as a coverage linebacker who can also make plays in run support made him a valuable asset for a team with defensive ambitions. The midseason trade to Dallas in 2025 provided Wilson with a new challenge, but the shift to a backup role limited his opportunities to showcase his full capabilities. Nonetheless, he contributed when called upon, offering reliability in a secondary role for a Cowboys defense that was searching for consistency. Now entering free agency, Wilson has the chance to return to a starting role and continue to build on the foundation he established in Cincinnati, while teams across the league evaluate his experience and versatility.

3. Cowboys’ Offseason Outlook

The release of Wilson comes as the Cowboys look to address gaps on their defense following a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025-26. While Dallas’ offense remained one of the league’s most productive units, defensive struggles were a primary factor in the team’s underperformance. Freeing up $6.5 million in cap space provides the Cowboys with flexibility to pursue potential additions through free agency, trades, or the draft. Defensive upgrades are expected to be a top priority, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary. Maintaining continuity on offense will remain crucial, but the team’s early moves signal a strategic focus on shoring up the defensive unit. The departure of Wilson opens the door for younger players or new acquisitions to step into the linebacker rotation. As the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 season, early roster decisions like this one underscore the organization’s intent to balance salary cap management with targeted improvements, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.