Cowboys Named Possible Landing Spot for Top Free Agent Brian Schottenheimer Loves

The Dallas Cowboys have a major need at the linebacker position going into the 2026 NFL Draft.

While DeMarvion Overshown has one linebacker spot locked up, the spot next to him is wide open, and there doesn't figure to be any starting-caliber players in-house.

Of course, the Cowboys will have two cracks at landing a young linebacker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that's not something Jerry Jones can depend on, and for multiple reasons. Jones needs to dip into free agency and bring in a veteran.

One veteran available who would be a fantastic addition is former Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, who Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport labeled an aging free agent with the potential to be a true difference-maker.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner walks on the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

"In all 14 of his professional seasons, Wagner has eclipsed 100 total tackles, including 162 in his second season with the Washington Commanders in 2025," Davenport wrote.

Admittedly, at 35, Wagner's range isn't what it once was. But his passer rating against was under 90 both seasons in D.C," he added.

Cowboys named landing spot for Bobby Wagner

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins. — Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Davenport then goes on to logically suggest that the Cowboys could be a landing spot for the future Hall of Famer.

"As it happens, the Dallas Cowboys also happen to have a glaring need in the middle of the league's worst defense last year," Davenport wrote.

Not only do the Cowboys have a need at linebacker, they also have a head coach in Brian Schottenheimer who loves Wagner.

"You're looking at one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world," Schottenheimer said. "Being in Seattle with him for three years and watching him compete and just talk trash in a good way, I love that guy. And he's still playing at a high level. So, we'll see how everything works out."

Bobby Wagner can still ball

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner on the field during a game against the Atlanta Falcons. — Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Schottenheimer told no lies in his praise for Wagner, who is still operating at a high level as he prepares to turn 36 in June. The former Super Bowl champion popped off with 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, nine QB hits, and four passes defensed last season.

According to Pro Football Focus, his run defense (90.3) and pass-rush (92.4) grades ranked fifth and second, respectively, among linebackers. And, depending on who you ask (PFF had Wagner with a passer rating allowed of 107.2 and Pro Football Reference had him at 89.5), the veteran was effective in coverage, also.

Either way, the overall numbers clearly show Wagner is still a true difference-maker and there is no better option left in free agency at linebacker for Dallas than the ageless wonder.

Wagner will garner a one-year deal and does not preclude the Cowboys from taking a linebacker in Round 1. Not to mention, there would be no better mentor for a young linebacker the Cowboys draft than Wagner.

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