On Friday in Frisco, Texas, the Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Logan Wilson, concluding his brief period with the team after an in-season trade. This move came amid Dallas’ ongoing efforts to strengthen one of the NFL’s weakest defenses this season.
Defensive Changes Drive Roster Moves
The Cowboys are undergoing a significant defensive rebuild following last season’s struggles. Christian Parker was hired as the new defensive coordinator, replacing Matt Eberflus, whose only year with Dallas saw the team surrender the most points in franchise history while recording its fewest interceptions.
Wilson’s Limited Impact in Dallas
Wilson, 29, was acquired from Cincinnati in November after reduced playing time with the Bengals, where he had appeared in seven games this season. He played in eight games for Dallas but contributed little to a defense that ranked last in the league in scoring and passing defense and near the bottom in total yards allowed. At times, Wilson was active for games but did not see any playing time.
Background and Previous Performance
Drafted in the third round in 2020 from Wyoming by Cincinnati, Wilson reached 100 tackles in four straight seasons beginning in 2021 before his role diminished last year. The Cowboys’ acquisition of Wilson aimed to compensate for Jack Sanborn’s limited presence after being signed in the 2025 offseason; Sanborn, who previously played under Eberflus in Chicago, appeared in only six games due to injury and inconsistent performance.
Ongoing Defensive Overhaul and Future Outlook
Wilson’s release highlights the Cowboys’ continued search for defensive stability as they prepare for the next season under Parker’s leadership. The team’s defensive struggles have prompted multiple roster adjustments, signaling that further changes may be forthcoming if improvements are not realized soon.
