Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, the Dallas Cowboys made improving the defense a priority. They’ve already added edge rusher Rashan Gary, cornerback Cobie Durant, and safety Jalen Thompson.
Still, the front office doesn’t appear finished, as veteran free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner has recently emerged as another potential target.
Brian Schottenheimer Is a Huge Fan of Bobby Wagner
On Tuesday afternoon, in the midst of the NFL’s annual league meeting, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer appeared on the Up & Adams show, featuring analyst Kay Adams, to discuss the team’s offseason plans and expectations for next season.
Specifically, during the conversation, Kay Adams asked Brian Schottenheimer if he had spoken with Wagner, who spent the 2025 season with the division-rival Washington Commanders but is now a free agent.
Schottenheimer responded, “You’re looking at one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world… He’s still playing at a high level… We’ll see how everything works out. It’s an exciting time of year, but Bobby Wagner’s a total stud.”
The Cowboys’ current linebacker room is headlined by DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, and Justin Barron. It is also worth noting that the team did not retain Kenneth Murray Jr. and waived Logan Wilson.
According to PFSN’s metrics, James, the only qualified backer on Dallas’ roster, posted a 61.2 Impact Score, ranking 73rd among LBs in 2025.
Comparatively, Wagner posted an 89.7 Impact Score, finishing 5th among all LB’s, per PFSN. Across 17 appearances, he totaled 162 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, leading the Commanders in both categories, while also recording 2 interceptions and 4.5 sacks.
In a recent article, published by PFSN’s Alex Kennedy, the analyst outlined projected landing spots and contracts for each of the top remaining free agent linebackers. Regarding Wagner, Kennedy predicts the veteran will earn a one-year deal worth up to 9 million annually.
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He wrote: “Whenever Wagner becomes eligible, he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s arguably the best linebacker of his generation. He’ll turn 36 before the 2026 season starts, so he’s not a long-term starting option. That said, if you need a stopgap linebacker, it’s hard to do better than him.”
While not the superstar he once was with the Seattle Seahawks many years ago, Wagner remains an extremely high-IQ defender with some of the best tackling ability in the NFL.
If the Dallas Cowboys bring him on board, Wagner, entering his 15th NFL season, would immediately slot in as the team’s top inside linebacker and defensive signal-caller in 2026.
