The Dallas Cowboys have spent their offseason reforming their defense. Despite several additions across the unit, Dallas still lacks a proven leader in the middle of the linebacker corps.

The Washington Commanders linebacker and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner could sign with the Dallas Cowboys, according to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell. Wagner, who played on a one-year, $9 million deal, is one of the best defenders available in the market.

“The Dallas Cowboys still lack a green dot, middle linebacker entering the 2025 NFL Draft," Podell wrote on Tuesday. "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.”

Even at this stage of his career, the 35-year-old All-Pro free agent linebacker is highly productive. He recorded 162 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season with Washington.

For the Cowboys' defense transitioning under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, adding a veteran could accelerate the development of young linebackers. Dallas has invested in players such as Dee Winters and Jaishawn Barham.

The Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro, and one of the most respected linebackers brings instant credibility to a defense looking to bounce back after last year's struggles. He is the third player in NFL history to reach the milestone, recording 2,000 career tackles.

Whether the Cowboys make the move or not, the fit appears obvious. He can also teach the rising star DeMarvion Overshown.

Cowboys Urged to Sign Bobby Wagner to Mentor DeMarvion Overshown

The Dallas Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus believes the team should make one more move before training camp. Broaddus mentioned that Dallas lacks a proven answer at middle linebacker and argued that Bobby Wagner could provide stability to the defense, via Cowboys Round Table.

"We all love Overshown, go get Bobby Wagner," said Broaddus. "Even if you don't use Bobby Wagner initially, you want to go ahead and start Overshown, great, but you have Bobby Wagner there if something were to go wrong. It could be injury, it could be that Overshown's not a really good mike linebacker, that he's better playing the weak linebacker."

Overshown is expected to take on a larger role after multiple knee injuries early in his NFL career. Wagner's leadership could be valuable for the young linebacker.

He is already rising as a defensive leader, but Dallas may benefit only after pairing him with Wagner. He has recorded 118 combined tackles, five sacks, and one interception in two years.

Broaddus also stressed the point that Wagner could provide insurance if the Cowboys' plans at middle linebacker do not turn out as expected. He continues to be the perfect fit and strengthen one of the roster's thinnest positions.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore