3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys should sign LB Bobby Wagner
Any hopes of the Dallas Cowboys trading for Jordyn Brooks to upgrade their linebacker position have now gone out the window after the Miami Dolphins signed him to a three-year, $51.3 million contract extension earlier this week. With that no longer an option, they should now set their sights on free agent LB Bobby Wagner. Below are three reasons why.
Reason #1: Talent upgrade
Even at 36 years old, Bobby Wagner would immediately upgrade the position. He may not be the player he once was, but is still playing as one of the best off-ball LBs in the league. He earned an overall 78.6 PFF defensive grade, ninth among 88 qualified players at the position. His run-defense grade (93.3) ranked fifth and his pass-rush grade (92.4) ranked second. He did struggle in coverage, ranking 51st in the league with a 51.1 grade.
Reason #2: Experience/leadership
Wagner has proven to be an ironman throughout his career, starting at least 15 games each season since 2015 and all 17 in the last two years. The Cowboys don’t currently have anyone even close with that kind of starting experience; the closest is Dee Winters with 27 career starts. With all of his years of accumulated knowledge/experience, Wagner could be the leader this position is currently lacking and serve as a mentor both on and off the field to Dallas’ young LBs.
Reason #3: Insurance policy
DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters are the Cowboys projected starters entering training camp, with this year’s third-round pick Jaishawn Barham a close third on the depth chart. After that Dallas’ potential candidates to start are few and far between. By signing Wagner, that all changes. Not only do they get a future Hall of Famer still playing at a high level, but someone capable of being a full-time starter if Overshown doesn’t work out as planned.
Would you sign Wagner? Hit the comments and let us know.
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