Cowboys add key piece from Bengals defense at NFL trade deadline

It appears as if Jerry Jones was telling the truth when he said he made a trade that would help the Dallas Cowboys on defense.

Jones made this statement on Monday, claiming the deal would be announced on Tuesday. He then sounded as though he was backtracking on his statement following their loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.

MORE: It's time to have a conversation about Brian Schottenheimer's job security

That led to questions about their desire to make any moves, but on Tuesday morning, it was announced that Dallas is bringing in linebacker Logan Wilson in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. In exchange for Wilson, the Cowboys are giving up a seventh-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport.

Trade: The #Bengals are dealing standout LB Logan Wilson to the #Cowboys, sources say, providing immediate defensive help.

Wilson requested a trade amid a recent decrease in snaps, with Barrett Carter taking over. pic.twitter.com/I1haELExQe
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 4, 2025

Dallas has shown interest in Wilson, as well as star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, leading up to the deadline.

Wilson, who recently lost his spot to rookie Barrett Carter, asked to be traded which opened the door for this move. In Dallas, he joins a linebacker corps that's struggled to provide consistent run support, and has been a non-entity in pass coverage.

What are the Cowboys getting in Logan Wilson?

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. walk off the field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Wilson offers excellent size at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds and has been a high-volume tackler since being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.

MORE: Cowboys defense gets ripped by Cardinals player with NSFW insult on national TV

He's a three-down linebacker who is better against the run than the pass, even posting a 90.0 run defense grade in 2024, according to PFF. He's not as solid in coverage, but he's not a liability in the same way Kenneth Murray has been for the Cowboys this year.

Wilson has also been able to generate turnovers, with 11 career interceptions in six seasons.

How long will the Cowboys have Logan Wilson?

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

One thing Jerry Jones wanted to do at the deadline was help his team in 2025 and beyond. That's what Wilson does, since he has two years remaining on his current deal after this season.

There's a potential out in 2026, so the Cowboys can wash their hands if he's not an ideal fit, but they have options to keep Wilson around through the 2027 campaign.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys’ defense gets ripped by Cardinals player with NSFW insult on national TV

Cowboys reportedly eyeing two-time Pro Bowler ahead of NFL trade deadline

Jake Ferguson's fiancée Haley Cavinder rocks custom Cowboys jeans ahead of MNF

NFL insider names Cowboys' potential trade deadline targets to bolster defense

Has Mazi Smith played his last down as a Dallas Cowboy?

Meet Camille Sturdivant: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries