The Dallas Cowboys are on a mission to revamp their defense. While their offense led the league in total yards per game, the defense struggled, giving up the third-most yards and the most points.
Enter Christian Parker, the new defensive coordinator, who’s spearheading a transformation with six of their eight recent signings focused on defense. And here’s where Bobby Wagner comes into play.
Bobby Wagner: The Veteran the Cowboys Need
Bobby Wagner is the kind of player who defies the usual aging curve in the NFL. At 35, he’s still turning heads, ranked as the ninth-best linebacker by Pro Football Focus with an impressive overall grade of 78.6.
Last season, Wagner was a stalwart for the Washington Commanders, starting all 17 games and racking up 162 tackles-the fourth-highest total of his career. His stats include 79 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine QB hits, four passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. This kind of production is exactly what the Cowboys need at linebacker.
Wagner’s familiarity with the NFC East and Dan Quinn’s defensive schemes makes him an even more attractive option for Dallas. His ability to read plays and execute with precision could be pivotal in their divisional matchups.
Consistent Excellence
Wagner’s run-defense skills are as sharp as ever, with a 90.3 grade marking his fourth consecutive season above 90.0. He missed only eight tackles, recorded 52 run stops, and posted 20 pressures-numbers that could have easily earned him another All-Pro or Pro Bowl nod.
While a long-term deal might not be in the cards given his age, Wagner could still make a significant impact. Spotrac estimates a one-year, $7.7 million contract, and with $14.4 million in cap space, the Cowboys are in a prime position to make this happen.
Mentorship and Leadership
With Jack Sanborn’s departure, the Cowboys have a gap that Wagner could fill, not just on the field but in the locker room. Young linebackers DeMarvion Overshawn and Shemar James would benefit immensely from Wagner’s experience and leadership. Known for his pass-rushing prowess, Wagner could also help address the team’s struggles in pressuring quarterbacks last season.
For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, snagging Wagner would be a strategic move to inject experience and winning habits into a defense that’s been underwhelming in recent years. Wagner’s availability is a golden opportunity for Dallas to bolster their defensive ranks and make a serious push in the NFC East.