Brian Schottenheimer sounds like he wants Cowboys to target a legendary linebacker

The objective for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason is clear: significantly improve the defense. That process is well underway, with the franchise already adding several defensive veterans in free agency and via trade. The next major opportunity for the Cowboys is the NFL Draft, where they have two first-round picks. However, Dallas may not be finished adding veterans.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer appeared on the Up & Adams show on Tuesday, and it sounds like there’s one veteran defender he would love to add to the roster.

That player is linebacker Bobby Wagner, whom Kay Adams brought up to Schottenheimer, because she wants to see him continue playing. While Schotty didn’t introduce the linebacker into the conversation, he sounded like just as big a fan of Wagner.

Asked specifically what conversation he's had about the linebacker, Schottenheimer responded by calling himself “one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world.” Acknowledging his history with the veteran defender, Dallas’ hole at linebacker, and Wagner still being a productive defender, the head coach said, “We’ll see how everything works out.”

Brian Schottenheimer calls himself the biggest Bobby Wagner fan amid Cowboys speculation

Schottenheimer talked about his love for Wagner, which was developed during his three years as offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020. The linebacker was still in Seattle, leading their defense at the time, and Schottenheimer got to see how he went to work, while also sharing some playful trash talk with him.

Since then, Wagner has went to the Los Angeles Rams, back to the Seahawks, and then to the Washington Commanders, where he spent the last two seasons.

In 2024, Wagner had a surprisingly good year at 34 years old, making the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro after how he led Washington’s defense. He was similarly effective last season, ranking fifth among linebackers with a 90.3 run-defense grade and second with a 92.4 pass-rush grade, per Pro Football Focus.

Set to turn 36 in June, Wagner is (unsurprisingly) a major liability in coverage. Opposing teams will look to exploit that, but in terms of getting downhill and not giving an inch against the run, very few LBs do it better.

After 14 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, 11 All-Pro selections, a Super Bowl title, and the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, Wagner could easily walk away from a Hall of Fame career. He could also choose to join the Cowboys and help turn things around defensively.

It sounds like Schottenheimer is open to the idea.