Jerry Jones wasn’t joking.
The morning after the Cowboys owner teased that he’d made a trade, Dallas acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals to address its beleaguered defense.
Dallas sent a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to Cincinnati for Wilson, who is in the second season of a four-year, $36 million extension.
The Cowboys hope Wilson can help improve a defense that’s allowing 30.8 points per game and 397.4 yards per game, both of which rank 31st in the NFL.
Wilson, 29, received a reduction in playing time this season with the Bengals — the only team with a defense that’s statistically worse than Dallas’ — but the six-year veteran recorded at least 100 tackles in each of the previous four seasons.
Dallas fell to 3-5-1 with Monday night’s 27-17 loss at home to the Arizona Cardinals, who were led by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Bengals, who have been without quarterback Joe Burrow since Week 2 due to toe surgery, are 3-6.
Wilson, who has 46 tackles in eight games this year, joins a Dallas linebacker corps that includes Kenneth Murray Jr. and a revolving door at the other two spots.
DeMarvion Overshown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Giants on Thanksgiving last year, is also nearing his long-awaited return to further bolster that unit.
Dallas’ deal for Wilson was the first of the day ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, which is at 4 p.m.
