Logan Wilson: Madden rating| Trade details| PFF grade| Highlights

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, few inside linebackers have shown the consistency, leadership and playmaking ability of Logan Wilson. Drafted in 2020 by the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson quickly became a fixture on their defense, earning captain status and delivering high-impact performances. As of November 2025, his career is entering a new chapter with a trade to the Dallas Cowboys. In this article we’ll dive into his Madden rating, the recent trade details, his PFF grade, and some of his most memorable highlights.

Madden Rating

Video game ratings often reflect how the public and the industry view a player’s performance and potential. For Wilson:

• In Madden NFL 26, Wilson holds an overall rating of 78.

• Earlier sources suggest his Madden rating—and archetype—varied, with one site listing him at 79 in Madden 26 and previously even 81 in Madden 25.

• According to the EA Sports site details:

  • Position: MIKE (Middle Linebacker)

  • Height: 6′2″

  • Weight: 245 lbs

  • College: University of Wyoming

  • Years pro: 5 (likely referencing entering his 6th season)

Analysis of rating:
A rating of 78 places Wilson as a solid starter within Madden’s framework—commendable but not yet elite. It reflects his strong tackling, leadership and experience, though possibly implies certain limitations in coverage or pass-rush traits compared to the top tier at his position. Given his career trajectory, this might represent a floor more than a ceiling.

Takeaways for fantasy gamers / Madden players:

• As a MIKE linebacker in your roster, Wilson offers a realistic starting option if you’re running a realistic roster of Bengals or Cowboys.

• His rating suggests his strengths may lie in run-support and tackling rather than elite pass coverage or pass rush.

• If you play franchise mode, consider his role as a defensive leader, especially with his transition to Dallas—his Madden rating may evolve with real-life performance.

Trade Details

One of the biggest news items surrounding Wilson in 2025 has been his trade.

Key details:

• The Bengals traded Wilson to the Cowboys in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

• The trade was reported on November 4, 2025, just ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

• Wilson, originally a third-round pick (65th overall) in 2020 by Cincinnati, had accumulated over 531 tackles, 11 interceptions, 5.5 sacks in 76 regular season games for the Bengals.

• The move comes as the Bengals appear to be leaning into younger linebacker options (e.g., rookies) while Wilson sought a more prominent role.

• From the Cowboys’ side: they were struggling defensively and saw Wilson as a veteran infusion to shore up the middle.

Implications of the trade:

• For the Bengals: Trading Wilson signals a transition at linebacker—maybe moving toward younger talent or adjusting scheme. The return (a late pick) suggests they believed his value was lower than his past peak.

• For the Cowboys: Acquiring a proven veteran like Wilson for minimal cost (a late pick) might be a savvy move, especially if they need leadership and stability at MIKE.

• For Wilson’s career: This is something of a reset. A new team means new scheme, new role, and a chance to prove he still has plenty to contribute after several strong seasons.

PFF Grade

Metrics matter in today’s NFL and analytics-driven coverage. One respected source is Pro Football Focus (PFF). Let’s look at what the gradebook says for Wilson.

PFF Grades & breakdown:

• According to PFF’s page for Wilson:

  • Overall grade: 54.8 — ranking 60th out of 80 qualifying linebackers.

  • Pass rush grade: 87.2 — extremely high, 3rd of 80 LBs.

  • Run defense grade: 58.1 — middling, 56th of 80.

  • Coverage grade: 48.8 — low, 55th of 80.

• Historical context: In 2022, he posted a 73.2 coverage grade and a run-defense grade of 90.0, which ranked 5th in the NFL at that time.

Interpretation:

• Wilson’s pass-rush grade stands out. For a linebacker traditionally tasked in the middle (MIKE) rather than edge-rusher, this is impressive. It suggests he has an ability to blitz effectively or generate pressure when schemed.

• His run-defense and coverage grades are weaker, which might explain the overall grade being relatively modest. In modern NFL defenses, linebackers often need to excel in sideline to sideline movement, coverage of backs/tight ends, and run-stuffing—areas where Wilson seems to have room to improve.

• The discrepancy between the high pass-rush grade and lower other grades suggests he may be best when used in specific packages (e.g., blitzing) rather than being an every-down do-everything linebacker in a complex scheme.

What this means for Dallas:
The Cowboys may employ Wilson situationally—keeping him active in blitz packages and short-yardage/run stopping while perhaps supplementing with linebackers who are stronger in coverage. If Wilson can shore up his coverage and run-defense impact, his grade could improve significantly, which would be good for his career and for the Madden rating down the line.

Highlights & Career Moments

Below are some of the standout moments from Wilson’s career to date:

• Diving interception vs. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (2023): Wilson made an impressive diving pick highlighting his instincts and athleticism.

• Clutch interception off deflection: A video shows Wilson swooping in to grab a key INT after a deflected pass, reinforcing his value in coverage and opportunistic play-making.

• High tackle seasons: Wilson consistently led or ranked near the top of the Bengals in tackles. For example, in his early years he posted over 100 combined tackles seasons.

• 2024 injury & adversity: Wilson’s 2024 season ended early with a knee injury/planned procedure. This kind of setback, followed by the trade, becomes part of his narrative—can he bounce back?

• Leadership & team captaincy: Not just statistics—Wilson was named a captain, respected in the locker room, and became a recognizable voice and face of the Bengals’ defense.

These highlights demonstrate Wilson’s strength: making big plays, being in the right place, leading teammates. They also underscore areas for growth: coverage consistency, staying healthy, adapting to scheme.

College & Early Career Context

Understanding Wilson’s roots adds further depth to his evolution.

• Wilson played college football at the University of Wyoming, where he developed into a standout linebacker.

• He was selected in the 3rd round (65th overall) by the Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft.

• As a rookie in 2020 he made an early impact, showing athleticism and tackling ability that caught the organization’s attention.

• Over his first few seasons, Wilson’s production grew—leading tacklers, generating interceptions and starting in key postseason games. His playoff stats include 62 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 PDs, 1 INT and 1 FF across seven postseason contests.

Having this foundation makes his current transition more interesting: a player who rose steadily, proved himself, now seeking the next level.

What to Watch Going Forward

With Wilson now in a new environment, here are critical goals and storylines to monitor:

1. Snap count and role in Dallas

   • How much will the Cowboys use him as a starter vs. situational package?

   • Will he immediately step in as the primary MIKE or be rotated?

2. Coverage improvement

   • Since his coverage grade has been weak, expect analysts to watch whether his agility, recognition and pass-defense improve.

3. Run defense consistency

   • As a central linebacker, stopping the run remains fundamental. Improvement in run-defense grade could elevate his standing.

4. Health and availability

   • Coming off the 2024 knee surgery and 2025 role reduction, remaining healthy and available will be key.

5. Stat accumulation & leadership impact

   • Tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles—if he maintains or returns to high production, his rating (both in real life and Madden) could be boosted.

6. Team defense synergy

   • The Cowboys’ defense has been among the weaker units in recent times. How Wilson fits into their scheme and elevates those around him will matter.

Conclusion

Logan Wilson is a fascinating NFL linebacker whose career has featured strong production, leadership and big-play ability. His Madden rating of 78 reflects that he is a capable starter, while his PFF grades reveal elite pass-rush ability but some room for improvement in coverage and run defense. The trade to Dallas marks a new chapter and offers both risk and opportunity: a new system, a fresh start, and a chance to prove his value in a new context.

For fans of the Cowboys, the move could be a smart low-cost win; for Bengals observers, it signals a shift in linebacker personnel; and for Wilson himself, it’s a chance to elevate his brand, his game and perhaps his rating both on the turf and in virtual form.