The Dallas Cowboys enter the upcoming 2026-27 campaign with clear priorities on the defensive side of the roster. Whether through bolstering the secondary or injecting more athleticism into the linebacker group, the franchise possesses strong motivation to pursue targeted additions before the season kicks off.
Last year’s struggles on defense highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities that still need attention despite some recent moves.
The team endured significant difficulties stopping opponents a season ago, prompting several strategic acquisitions already this offseason. Bringing in established talent like Rashan Gary and Dee Winters has provided a foundation, yet many observers sense that one more impactful piece could elevate the unit to a competitive level capable of making real noise in the NFC.
Analysts point to veteran free agency as a viable path forward.
CBS Sports insider Garrett Podell recently suggested that Dallas could target a proven leader from another NFC East squad to fill key gaps. Specifically, Podell floated the idea of signing the Washington Commanders’ longtime standout, who remains unsigned well into the offseason period.
“(Bobby) Wagner’s age has to be the primary reason behind his lack of a contract,” Podell wrote on Tuesday.
“He stuffed the stat sheet with 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. Wagner now has 14 consecutive seasons (2012-25) with 100-plus tackles, which is tied for the longest such streak since 2000 along with London Fletcher (20-13).”
Podell continued by addressing the Cowboys’ specific positional needs heading into the draft and beyond.
“The Dallas Cowboys still lack a green dot, middle linebacker entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Even if trade acquisition Dee Winters ends up being the starter in the middle in 2026, having a future Hall of Famer to mentor the next generation at the position would be ideal for Dallas.”
Few would dispute that Wagner stands out as one of the top available veteran linebackers on the market. Throughout his decorated career, the former second-round selection has delivered elite production in run support, open-field tackling, and pass coverage responsibilities. His résumé includes a Super Bowl victory during his prime years, cementing his reputation among the all-time greats at the position.
Wagner’s sustained excellence over more than a decade speaks volumes about his durability and consistency. Accumulating 2,000 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles across 14 professional seasons places him in rare company. These numbers strengthen an already compelling argument for eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
For a Cowboys defense searching for stability and leadership in the middle of the field, Wagner’s presence could prove transformative. His football intelligence and veteran savvy would complement younger players, accelerating their development while providing immediate on-field reliability.
Even at 35 years old, his instincts and tackling fundamentals remain sharp enough to contribute meaningfully in a contending scheme.
The prolonged availability of such a high-caliber player this deep into the offseason creates an intriguing opportunity for Dallas. With training camp on the horizon and limited time remaining to finalize the roster, the organization would be wise to prioritize outreach to Wagner’s representatives. Pairing his experience with the existing additions could bridge critical gaps that hindered the unit previously.
Ultimately, a move for Wagner aligns with the Cowboys’ broader goal of constructing a championship-caliber defense. By adding a future Hall of Famer who continues to produce at a high level, Dallas could transform lingering weaknesses into strengths.
As the team prepares for another push toward postseason success, securing this type of veteran leadership might represent the final piece needed to generate significant momentum.
