Dan Quinn may not be calling the shots as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator anymore, but his influence still echoes through their defense. The unit is on a mission to recapture the dominance they once had under Quinn, now led by DC Christian Parker. A potential move to bring back some of that magic could involve signing one of Quinn's former standout players.
The buzz around free agency has been electric, yet Bobby Wagner remains surprisingly unsigned. At 35, Wagner is still among the NFL's elite linebackers, poised to offer significant value to any team ready to take a chance. Enter the Dallas Cowboys, with Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer predicting Wagner will land in Texas, filling their linebacker gap at a budget-friendly rate compared to Nakobe Dean's contract.
The Cowboys would be wise to bring Wagner on board. This potential signing feels like the NFL's version of a full-circle moment.
Quinn, during his Dallas tenure, was eager to sign the 10-time Pro Bowler. Wagner, however, took his talents to the Los Angeles Rams and then back to the Seattle Seahawks during his free agency stints.
Quinn's desire to reunite with Wagner stems from their days together in Seattle, where Quinn was the defensive coordinator during Wagner's early All-Pro years. As head coach of the Commanders, Quinn prioritized bringing the Super Bowl-winning linebacker into the fold.
For the current Cowboys, this connection means more than meets the eye. With linebacker being a pressing need, and Sonny Styles likely off the board when Dallas picks, DeMarvion Overshown could use a partner in crime. While Parker aims to inject youth and versatility into the defense, Wagner’s veteran presence and wisdom are invaluable assets.
Wagner has consistently surpassed 100 tackles each season and recently hit the 2,000-tackle milestone. While his speed may not be what it once was, his playmaking ability and run-stopping prowess remain top-tier. Adding him would not only bolster Dallas' defense but also weaken a division rival.
Wagner shouldn’t be the only linebacker the Cowboys consider before training camp, but adding this future Hall of Famer would be a strategic move.