gs. UNREALISTIC PROPOSAL: Dallas Cowboys engineer a MASSIVE trade, acquiring a $36 MILLION starter at a steep draft pick cost.

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been a rollercoaster in the 2025 season, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, particularly at the linebacker position. With the NFL trade deadline looming, the team is in desperate need of a spark to bolster a unit that has yet to live up to its potential. While the return of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown from a knee injury is on the horizon, his recovery timeline and the time needed to regain game shape leave the Cowboys searching for immediate help. Enter an audacious, if not unrealistic, proposal: a blockbuster trade to acquire Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, a $36 million starter, at the cost of a steep draft pick package. Could Dallas pull off such a move, and would it be the answer to their defensive woes?

A Defense in Disarray

The Cowboys’ defense, once a feared unit, has struggled to find its footing this season. Key players like cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, as well as defensive lineman Kenny Clark, have been sidelined or hampered by injuries, leaving the unit far from full strength. The linebacker corps, in particular, has been a glaring weak point. Kenneth Murray, the team’s primary linebacker, has logged 483 snaps—99% of the defensive plays this season—but his performance has been dismal. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Murray ranks dead last among 78 graded linebackers, earning the unenviable No. 78 spot. His struggles have left a gaping hole in the middle of Dallas’s defense, one that cannot wait for Overshown’s uncertain return to be filled.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys are reportedly open for business. Owner Jerry Jones, along with his son Stephen Jones and personnel president Will McClay, are known for their willingness to make bold moves to improve the roster. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed this mindset, stating, “Jerry, Stephen, and Will, they’re always open for business.” The Cowboys’ offense, a juggernaut in its own right, has carried the team, but the defense needs to elevate to at least league-average status to make Dallas a true contender. A high-profile trade for a proven linebacker like Logan Wilson could be the key to unlocking that potential.

The Logan Wilson Proposal

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson has emerged as a prime trade candidate, and Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti has floated an intriguing, if ambitious, proposal. On “The Spotrac Podcast,” Ginnitti suggested that the Cowboys could acquire Wilson in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick, a relatively modest cost for a player of his caliber. However, given Wilson’s contract and resume, such a deal seems almost too good to be true, prompting speculation that a more significant draft pick package—potentially a third-rounder or higher—might be required to pry him away from Cincinnati. This elevated cost transforms the proposal into a massive, high-stakes gamble for Dallas.

Wilson, a 29-year-old team captain, is in the third year of a four-year, $36 million contract, with the Bengals holding an out after this season. Despite his leadership and experience, Cincinnati appears ready to move on, favoring rookie Barrett Carter in a youth-driven shift at linebacker. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that teams around the league believe the Bengals are open to dealing Wilson, who has been relegated to a reserve role despite starting his entire career. With a PFF grade of 58.6, Wilson ranks No. 48 among linebackers—not an elite mark, but a significant upgrade over Murray’s league-worst performance.

Why Wilson Makes Sense for Dallas

Wilson’s fit with the Cowboys is undeniable. At 29, he brings veteran savvy and a track record of reliability, having played his entire career with the Bengals since being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His experience in high-pressure situations, including Cincinnati’s Super Bowl run in 2021, would provide stability to a Dallas defense desperate for leadership. While not a superstar, Wilson’s tackling efficiency and ability to cover tight ends and running backs in space would address critical weaknesses in the Cowboys’ linebacker play.

Moreover, Wilson’s contract aligns with Dallas’s short-term goals. With an out available after the 2025 season, the Cowboys could view him as a one-year rental to stabilize the defense for a playoff push, without committing long-term cap space. Pairing Wilson with Overshown, once he returns, could create a dynamic linebacker tandem, allowing Dallas to shore up its run defense and improve its ability to stop short-yardage passing plays.

The Steep Cost: Is It Worth It?

The sticking point in this hypothetical trade is the draft capital required. While Ginnitti’s proposed fifth-round pick seems optimistic, a more realistic package might include a 2026 third-round pick, possibly paired with a later-round selection or a conditional pick based on Wilson’s performance. For a Cowboys team that values draft picks to build around its young core, surrendering a high-value selection for a non-elite linebacker could be seen as a steep overpay, especially given Wilson’s contract out and his middling PFF grade.

The Cowboys’ front office must weigh the immediate impact against the long-term cost. A third-round pick could net a cost-controlled rookie with upside, whereas Wilson, while an upgrade, is a known commodity with limited ceiling. Additionally, the Bengals’ willingness to move Wilson suggests they view him as expendable, which could temper Dallas’s enthusiasm for offering premium draft assets. If the price escalates beyond a mid-round pick, the deal begins to look unrealistic for a team that prides itself on prudent roster management.

An Unrealistic Blockbuster?

The idea of the Cowboys engineering a massive trade for Logan Wilson is tantalizing but fraught with challenges. On one hand, Wilson’s acquisition could stabilize a reeling defense, providing the Cowboys with the defensive competency needed to complement their explosive offense. On the other, the cost of a high draft pick for a 29-year-old linebacker with a modest PFF grade and a contract out after 2025 feels like a stretch for a team that could address its needs through other means, such as the return of injured players or a less costly trade.

Ultimately, the Cowboys’ best path may lie in a more conservative approach—perhaps a lower-profile acquisition or reliance on Overshown’s return—rather than a splashy move for Wilson. While the allure of a $36 million starter is undeniable, the steep draft pick cost and Wilson’s current role as a reserve in Cincinnati make this proposal feel more like a pipe dream than a realistic solution. For now, Dallas must hope that its front office’s openness to deals yields a more practical fix for its linebacker woes before the trade deadline passes.