Blogging The Boys
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would make a few trades before the NFL deadline to improve the team’s defense. He did so by trading for linebacker Logan Wilson using a seventh-round pick and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a first- and a second-round pick.
Wilson has a long history of being a leader and defensive playmaker during his time in Cincinnati, something Dallas has lacked at linebacker all season. Williams is one of the top five players at his position and gives the Cowboys defense a fortified look at defensive tackle for the first time in over a decade.
As both players get ready for their debuts on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, their arrival might not be enough to save the 2025 season, but their presence creates massive hope for what’s to come next season and beyond.
Before Dallas made any trades, we noted five ways they could improve their defense, either by adding or subtracting at certain positions. One of the areas of focus was at linebacker, where getting a proven veteran to help stabilize the position should have been a priority. Initially, that player was supposed to be Kenneth Murray, whom the Cowboys traded for in the offseason and has been in the league for six seasons.
That plan has not worked out, as Murray’s flashes on the field have not outweighed his low moments. Enter Logan Wilson. Over the course of their careers, Wilson has proven to be the more productive player and has shown better instincts, especially in defending the run.
Above the improved play at linebacker fans should expect from Wilson, his most significant impact on the team might be what he does for the locker room and the position group. On his way out of Cincinnati, rookie linebacker Barrett Carter posted on social media that Wilson took him under his wing and showed him “what it looks like to be a pro in all areas of life.” That same leadership is what Dallas hopes Wilson can bring to the team.
Last year, when Eric Kendricks was with Dallas, his mentorship greatly benefited younger players, including Marist Liufau. The former third-round pick seemed ready for a breakout sophomore season based on his performance in the second half of last season. However, this year, Liufau has regressed and no longer appears to be the same player. It’s probably not a coincidence that it’s happened with Kendricks out of the picture.
Although there are just eight games remaining in the season, Wilson’s contract extends through 2027, providing ample time for him to mentor both Liufau and Shemar James, both on and off the field. With a healthy DeMarvion Overshown joining forces with Wilson, Liufau, and James, the future looks bright for all four players as they remain together for the next few seasons.
If the Cowboys can’t figure out a way to stop the...
