Dallas Cowboys Waive Linebacker Logan Wilson, Free Up $6.5 Million in Cap Space

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Dallas Cowboys Waive Linebacker Logan Wilson, Free Up $6.5 Million in Cap Space

FRISCO, Texas -- In a significant roster move, the Dallas Cowboys announced on Friday that they have waived veteran linebacker Logan Wilson. The decision, which comes as the team navigates the latter stages of the NFL season and looks towards future financial flexibility, will save the Cowboys approximately $6.5 million against their salary cap.

Wilson was acquired by Dallas at the trade deadline with the explicit intention of shoring up the team's linebacker position, which had been a point of concern. However, his time with the Cowboys did not yield the expected impact. Over seven games, Wilson recorded 28 tackles and forced one fumble, but he was only able to earn one start. Despite persistent issues at the linebacker spot and within the defense overall, the Cowboys opted to keep Kenneth Murray Jr. as the primary starter over Wilson.

His limited role was further highlighted in the team's Christmas Day victory against the Washington Commanders, where Wilson did not play a single snap. This decision drew criticism in the following days, with some labeling it a coaching error. The Cowboys had previously invested a 2026 seventh-round pick to acquire Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals, indicating a belief in his potential to contribute.

Wilson's NFL journey began with the Bengals, where he spent parts of five seasons. During his tenure in Cincinnati, he was voted a team captain in 2025 and started 65 games. He was a key contributor to their Super Bowl LVI run, recording 11 interceptions and playing a significant role in their defensive efforts. However, his role with the Bengals diminished in his final season, as he was benched in favor of rookie Barrett Carter, which ultimately led to his trade to Dallas.

The Cowboys' decision to waive Wilson underscores a strategic recalibration. The $6.5 million in cap savings provides the team with crucial financial maneuverability. This could allow them to re-sign key free agents, make additional roster adjustments, or simply maintain a healthier financial standing as they approach the offseason and future contract negotiations. For head coach Mike McCarthy and the front office, this move signals a commitment to optimizing the roster based on current performance and future projections, prioritizing players who fit the immediate and long-term scheme.

Analysts suggest that while the move might seem abrupt given the draft capital spent to acquire him, it reflects the team's evaluation of Wilson's fit and performance within their current defensive system. The Cowboys, who are in a strong position for a playoff run, are likely focused on maximizing their chances of success in the postseason by ensuring all personnel decisions align with their immediate goals. The release of Wilson, while potentially disappointing for the player, allows the Cowboys to move forward with a more streamlined approach to their linebacker corps and a healthier cap situation, setting the stage for potential future acquisitions or retention of core players.

Ekhbary News Agency