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Cowboys are 1 free agent away from hot start after 2026 schedule release

Free agent NFL linebacker Bobby Wagner
Free agent NFL linebacker Bobby Wagner | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys may have given their defense a major nitro boost in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they need to make one more addition of note if they want to make that leap from good to great. With a 2026 schedule that is by no means too egregious from a competitive point of view,

The Cowboys have a tough, but manageable start to the 2026 season on tap, as they will face off against some division rivals with inferior rosters and a few primetime games against teams where they have an offensive advantage. Once again, making sure the defense can hold itself together is going to be pivotal in assuring another winning season.

The linebacker room remains one area that could be picked on early and often this season, especially when they face some top-tier quarterbacks. Veteran Bobby Wagner is still floating around the free agent market, and a signing that brings him in might not be the wildest idea in the world.

If he still has enough juice left in the tank to play on run downs, Wagner could bring the same veteran leadership and savvy that made a champion out of the Seahawks and an NFC finalist out of the Commanders to Dallas without breaking the bank.

The Dallas Cowboys should sign Bobby Wagner to overcome tough start to 2026 schedule

Wagner is one of the greatest linebackers to ever play this game and a sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Fame player, but he has taken a step back. Even though his reputation helped him land Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods over more deserving players, Wagner was not given any accolades last season.

Wagner is a limited player right now who could be useful in a tertiary role, but just having someone like that around a defense that is still very young is worth Wagner's weight in gold. With DeMarvion Overshown an injury concern and Dee Winters a one-year wonder, Wagner will give them the peace of mind they need so desperately.

Dallas will have made an impact addition at every level of the defense if they sign Wagner. After bringing Rashan Gary and Malachi Lawrence to town in order to beef up the defensive line and reinforcing the secondary with Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson, Wagner could be their marquee addition to the linebacker room.

Even in his twilight years, Wagner can provide passable starter play for a team that went years without that at the linebacker spot.

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