As the Dallas Cowboys look to bolster their defense during OTAs, they’ve set their sights on the linebacker position, at least in the early stages of the offseason. As many of the top free agents have the need to fill just two or three spots transactional-wise to make it happen over a period of time, and where the Cowboys will be removing salary-cap on dead-weight talent, which in turn will become new available free agents in 2024, there is potential to add some serious talent as part of the Dallas Cowboys defense from free agency. Here are four free agent linebackers, whether they be veteran leaders or younger, versatile players, who may just fit the bill for the Cowboys in 2025.
Bobby Wagner – The Veteran Captain to Guide the D-Line
Bobby Wagner remains one of the most accomplished linebackers the NFL has ever seen, and while he may be on the back end of his career, he has the skills and experience needed to become an instant impact player. Having Wagner in the fold at such an important time, with the prospect of a playoff run looming, is an added benefit to what the Cowboys especially need down the stretch of the 2023 season.
Strengths of Bobby Wagner:
- Elite Tackler: Wagner has consistently ranked among the NFL’s leading tacklers. His ability to diagnose plays and make the necessary stop at the line could bolster the Cowboys’ run defense.
- Pass Coverage: Now, Wagner is not as dominant as he was in his early years for the Seahawks, but his skillset in pass coverage, especially against tight ends and running backs, would bring an additional element to Dallas’ defense.
- Leadership: Wagner’s locker-room and field leadership is unparalleled. He could serve as a mentor to young linebackers, guiding influence to their development into elite professionals.
Recent Performance:
Wagner, who played with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, logged 140 total tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 interceptions across 17 games. The fact that he’s been able to stay healthy and be this productive at his age, with how many games he’s played over the years, says a lot about his conditioning and football IQ.
Why Wagner Works for the Cowboys:
While the Cowboys already have one of the most versatile and talented defenses in all of football, adding a veteran presence like Wagner could give the team a sense of stability and maturity it lacks. With young stars like Micah Parsons in the fold, Wagner’s leadership would help the defense coalesce, while he would solidify the linebacker group.
What if and What in the World: Mock Draft and a Free Agent Plan for 2023
Deion Jones – The Fast, Playmaking Linebacker
One of the fastest linebackers in football, Deion Jones’ speed to close in a hurry would definitely be a part of why he would fit in well with the Cowboys. A versatile and instinctual playmaker, Jones would create a different element to the Cowboys’ defense.
Strengths of Deion Jones:
- Speed and Agility: The coverage skills Jones showed, notably against speedy tight ends and running backs, on the move.
- Playmaking Ability: Jones has played his fair share of big plays—ranging from interceptions to forced fumbles—that make him a threat to opposing offenses.
- Football IQ: His skills in diagnosing plays and making swift decisions allow him an advantage in a critical game moment.
Recent Performance:
Jones, who played with the Cleveland Browns in 2023, tallied 107 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception. While his numbers were decent, really, he has demonstrable value with his speed as a coverage player and as a playmaker in coverage, especially passing situations.
Why Jones Makes Sense for the Cowboys:
Jones’ ability to run with speedy tight ends and running backs out of the backfield would significantly enhance the Cowboys’ defense, particularly with the new trend of hybrid linebackers in today’s NFL. His speed would also provide the Cowboys a boost in matching up against the high-octane offenses in the NFC East and beyond.
T.J. Edwards — The Tackle Machine
T.J. Edwards has as consistent of a reputation at linebacker in the NFL as you can get when it comes to tackling. An ironman with the Philadelphia Eagles, he can play off the ball, which would give the Cowboys’ defense a versatile cog — particularly if they continue to struggle against the run.
Strengths of T.J. Edwards:
- Run Defense: Edwards is a phenomenal run stuffer that uses his instincts to process plays quickly and get to ball carriers to make stops.
- Tackling Consistency: He is a top tackler in the league and has a talent for racking up tackles and reducing yardage after the first hit.
- Durability: Edwards is durable, having played every game on the Eagles’ schedule (17) in 2023, and his remarkable consistency has been a boon to Philadelphia.
Recent Performance:
Edwards had 159 total tackles, 4 sacks and 1 interception in 2023. That ability to play in coverage and as a physical run-stopper has made him an integral part of the Eagles’ defense. His discipline and efficiency as a tackler are among the best in the league.
Why Edwards Makes Sense with the Cowboys:
Dallas is already a stout unit up front on the defensive side of the ball, but pairing Edwards, who is a reliable and steady tackler, with what they do up front could be a major difference-maker, especially when they face run-heavy offenses. As Micah Parsons gets after the passer, Edwards could lock down the run game and bring stability to the LB room.
Germaine Pratt — The Young, Versatile Linebacker
Germaine Pratt proved that he is one of the league’s most versatile linebackers, able to make an impact in a variety of ways. Getting that type of player, considering his youth and not having to compromise whether his fit was as an interior or exterior backer, certainly gives Dallas a very attractive option for their usage and avenue options for finding depth in their LB group.
Strengths of Germaine Pratt:
- Versatility: A versatile player who could play multiple roles, such as an inside linebacker, pass rusher, or even a coverage option, Pratt benefited from using him in a variety of defensive alignments.
- Speed/Quickness: Pratt’s range enables him to be adept in pass coverage, a critical component as offenses in the NFL have only become more pass dominant over the years.
- Blitzing Ability: Pratt can get after the passer effectively, which adds another dimension to his game and gives defensive coordinators more freedom.
Recent Performance:
Pratt appeared in 16 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023, finishing with 120 total tackles, 1 sack, and 3 pass deflections. His versatility to supply in a number of aspects of protection has made him a helpful piece for the Bengals, particularly throughout their Super Bowl run.
Why Pratt Makes Sense for the Cowboys:
Considering the Cowboys’ skill set to rush the passer strong but also cover, Pratt is the ideal mix of versatility. His versatility would give defensive coordinator Dan Quinn the freedom to get creative, whether in coverage or rushing the quarterback.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are already built on a strong defensive front, yet they could go up a notch with a linebacker from the free agent market. Bobby Wagner brings leadership, Deion Jones speed, T.J. Edwards consistent tackling and Germaine Pratt versatility and all of these free agents offer something unique that would suit the current Cowboys roster. With the team having Super Bowl aspirations, adding one of these linebackers could be the move that puts them over the top.
FAQs
Why do the Cowboys need to sign a linebacker?
Linebackers are key in the run game, dropping into coverages, and blitzing the passer. A stout set of linebackers bolsters a defense, which is vital for the Cowboys to be able to win in a very competitive NFC East division.
What does Bobby Wagner’s experience add to the Cowboys?
Wagner is a GREAT leader with unmatched experience and could be an integral addition for a team hungry for a Super Bowl run. His veteran presence would help guide younger players, such as Micah Parsons, and help give the overall defense a boost.
Why T.J. Edwards would pair well with Micah Parsons
While Parsons will rush the quarterback, Edwards fills a reliable tackler in the middle of the field, excelling against the run. His consistency and reliability would balance Parsons’ playmaking ability.
Does Deion Jones fit as a pass-coverage linebacker for the Cowboys?
Yes, Jones has the speed and ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, which make him an ideal fit for a defense that faces dynamic passing attacks on a weekly basis.
Why is Germaine Pratt a fit as a versatile player for the Cowboys?
Pratt’s ability to assume different roles — as an inside linebacker or a pass rusher or in coverage — would give the Cowboys flexibility in their defensive schemes. He’s got speed and can blitz, who can be a valuable asset.
