The NFL trade market is abuzz with the latest move by the Cincinnati Bengals, who have sent veteran linebacker Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys. This development comes as a surprise to many, especially given Wilson's significant contributions to the team over the years.
A Star's Departure: The Logan Wilson Story
Logan Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2020 draft, has been a stalwart for the Bengals, starting in 65 regular-season games and all seven playoff games, including the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. However, his role diminished with the emergence of rookie Barrett Carter, and an injury sustained against the New York Jets further sidelined him.
But here's where it gets controversial: Wilson, who publicly requested a trade on October 23rd, has been a key defensive player for the Bengals, recording at least 100 tackles from 2021 to 2024 and making 11 career interceptions. Yet, he missed parts of several seasons due to injuries, and his performance dipped in the last two seasons, with no interceptions recorded.
And this is the part most people miss: Wilson's contract is a significant factor in this trade. He's currently earning a base salary of $5.38 million with a salary cap hit of $8.76 million. With a base salary of $6 million due in 2026 and $6.65 million in 2027, the Bengals may have decided to part ways to free up some cap space.
Head coach Zac Taylor praised Wilson's contributions, saying, "He has been a central part of our defense and a leader in our locker room."
So, what do you think? Is this trade a smart move for the Bengals, or are they letting go of a valuable asset? The NFL trade market is a complex game, and this move is sure to spark some interesting discussions. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
