Source: Cowboys ‘Monitoring’ Bobby Wagner Signing; Where’s He Rank?
FRISCO - Is there space at The Star for another star?
Future Hall-Of-Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner remains unsigned as NFL free agency rolls. … and a source tells CowboysSI.com that the Dallas Cowboys - well aware of a possible Wagner reunion with the Seattle Seahawks - are “monitoring” the status of the durable 32-year-old, who started all 17 games for the Los Angeles Rams last season, playing nearly every defensive snap.
After Dallas re-signed Leighton Vander Esch to a two-year deal, the likelihood of Wagner playing for the Cowboys cooled. However, “never say never” with Dallas, which has been linked to Wagner for nearly two years.
Wagner recorded 140 tackles, a career-high six sacks, two interceptions, and five passes defended. Wagner was a second-team All-Pro.
One NFL source tells CowboysSI.com that Wagner doesn’t “run” well anymore … which is also worth “monitoring.”
The 11-year veteran is ranked as ESPN's third-best player available, behind tight end Dalton Schultz, who takes the top spot on ESPN's rankings. Notably, Odell Beckham Jr., who also has been tied to Dallas, is No. 4.
Wagner's declining play speed shows on the tape, but the six-time first-team All-Pro linebacker can still produce due to his high-level awareness and defensive instincts. Last season, Wagner logged 81 solo tackles with six sacks and two interceptions. He can key and diagnose with speed to track the ball. A one-year deal from a contending team adds up here.
Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was Wagner's supervisor for their years together in Seattle. A year ago, the Cowboys did indeed contact Wagner, with Quinn making a push inside The Star. But as CowboysSI.com reported at the time, any "offer'' made to the player was not a competitive one.
The Dallas defense looks to continue it's steady growth as the team signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore to an already strong group. Expectations are (always) high, as Dallas has the sixth-best odds to win the Super Bowl next season. A Wagner addition could be a bonus piece for a Cowboys defense that led the league in turnovers last season.
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