Introduction
Logan Wilson has emerged as one of the more intriguing linebackers in the NFL—a player whose journey from college standout to professional contributor offers plenty of storylines worth exploring. In this article, we’ll dive into his contract, evaluate whether it’s “good” for both him and his team, review his draft and college background, and discuss his injury history (and its implications).
Early Life & College Career
Born July 8, 1996, in Casper, Wyoming, Wilson attended Natrona County High School where he was a multi-position player (defensive back, wide receiver, punter).
He committed to the Wyoming Cowboys (University of Wyoming), where he red-shirted his true freshman season and then blossomed as a linebacker.
College highlights:
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In 2016 as a redshirt freshman he recorded 94 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, adding three interceptions and a pair of defensive touchdowns.
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In 2017 he led the team with 119 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and added a scoop-and-score touchdown.
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In 2018 he again topped the team with 103 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and two interceptions.
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In 2019 (his senior year) he posted 105 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. He earned First-Team All-Mountain West honours.
By the end of his college career, Wilson had amassed some 421 total tackles, ranking fourth in school history at Wyoming.
Draft preparation & scouting:
In the lead up to the 2020 NFL Draft, scouting reports praised Wilson for his instincts, tackling, and leadership qualities—but noted some limitations in coverage and change-of-direction agility.
Draft & Entry into the NFL
Wilson was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round, 65th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His rookie season saw modest but solid production: contributing in the rotation, making 33 tackles, recording a sack and two interceptions.
By 2021, he had become the team’s starting middle linebacker, and his role increased significantly. He had 100 tackles that season, plus several key plays in the playoffs.
So in short: from a solid college underpinning, into a respectable draft pick, to a starting role in the NFL.
Contract: Terms & Evaluation
Here’s a breakdown of Wilson’s big contract and how it stacks up:
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On August 4, 2023, the Bengals agreed to a four-year extension with Wilson worth up to $37.25 million.
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Sources vary between $36 million and $37.25 million for total value (depending on bonuses/tiers).
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According to contract data: 4 years / $36 million, with about $10 million signing bonus guaranteed (some sources list $14 million guaranteed).
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The cash flows show: 2023: ~$11.01 M; 2024: ~$8.05 M; 2025: ~$5.918 M; 2026: ~$6.55 M; 2027: ~$7.215 M (depending on base salary/bonuses).
Is the contract “good”? Let’s assess from multiple angles:
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For the player (Wilson): Yes. He locked in a multi-year deal in the prime of his career, captured a significant guaranteed amount, and created financial security.
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For the team (Bengals, at time of signing): The Bengals secured a young core defensive piece early, before his market could escalate further, which is smart. As Wilson had already shown consistent production (100+ tackles seasons), committing to him made sense.
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Value‐wise: Considering his tackle production, leadership, and consistency, the deal appears reasonable rather than overpaying. Of course, the guarantee level and injury risk matter (we’ll get to that).
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Risk: With linebacker contracts, coverage ability, speed, age, and durability matter greatly. The team bears risk if Wilson’s play declines, but the length (4 years) and the structure appear moderate.
Overall: This is a solid contract for both sides—good for Wilson, responsible for the Bengals, assuming Wilson continues his trajectory. Context: many linebackers now command big money, but Wilson’s deal is controlled and fair.
Injury History & Recent Developments
Injury risk is always a factor in football. Wilson’s case:
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He missed the final six games of the 2024 season due to a knee injury, requiring surgery.
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He suffered a minor ankle injury in early 2025 but still played.
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On November 4, 2025, he was traded from the Bengals to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a seventh-round pick. The trade noted his calf issue that had sidelined him in Week 9.
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Additionally, reports indicate that Wilson requested a trade because his snap count and role had diminished.
Implications & risks:
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Injuries reduce availability and can diminish performance. Knee surgery is a red flag for a linebacker whose game relies on lateral movement, diagnosing offense, and tackling in space.
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The reduction in role/snap count suggests that either the team (Bengals) was moving in a different direction or that Wilson’s physical capacity/fit was being questioned. This can be concerning.
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The trade indicates a change of scenery—Wilson will need to adapt to a new system (Cowboys). How he recovers and contributes will be key to determining long-term value.
Thus: while he has been durable for the most part and productive, the recent injury and changing role raise valid questions about whether he will maintain his previous level or if his value will decline. For his contract, this means the Bengals may end up getting less than hoped or Wilson’s performance must rebound.
Performance & Production
To evaluate whether Wilson is living up to expectations:
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From 2021-2023 he posted three consecutive 100+ tackle seasons (100 in 2021, 123 in 2022, 135 in 2023).
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In 2024: 104 tackles in only 11 games before the injury ended his season.
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His interception numbers: He’s shown ability in coverage/ballhawks, with multiple interceptions.
Strengths:
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Solid tackling, instinctual reads, leadership in the middle of defense. His college history of high tackle counts translated to the NFL.
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Versatility: He has shown ability to drop into coverage, blitz, and defend the run.
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Durability: Until the 2024 injury, he had good availability and production.
Areas to monitor:
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Will he continue to produce at high end after injury and into his late 20s?
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How well does he handle coverage demands, given the modern NFL emphasizes linebackers in space?
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With a new team/system (Cowboys), how quickly can he adapt and maintain his role?
Given the previous trajectory, Wilson has been a high-quality starter. The question mark now is sustaining that with changing context and health.
The Trade to Dallas & What It Means
In November 2025, Wilson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Why the trade?
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According to reports, Wilson requested the trade after his snap count had significantly dropped with the Bengals.
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The Bengals may have been moving toward younger players or adjusting their defensive scheme.
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The Cowboys, in need of experienced linebacker help, viewed Wilson as a veteran upgrade even with his recent calf injury.
For Wilson: This is both an opportunity and challenge. He gets a new system, possibly a fresh start, but must rehabilitate and prove he still has it.
For the Cowboys: They acquire a known commodity, albeit one with some question marks. If Wilson can stay healthy and produce, they get value. If not, they’re assuming risk.
Contract implications: Wilson remains under the terms of his previous extension (through 2027 with the Bengals) which now transfers (or the Cowboys assume part of it). So his contract still matters: he must perform to justify it in a new environment.
Assessing “Is It Good?” Overall
Is Wilson’s contract, career arc, and situation “good”? Let’s summarise:
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He earned a strong contract at the right time (peak years).
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The contract is fair for his production and role as a starter.
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Injury and reduced role introduce some risk—but every NFL contract has this risk.
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The trade and new team provide a reset, which could further boost his value or reveal limitations.
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From the perspective of the Bengals: they locked him in, but now they moved on when his role diminished. They may still come out fine if his performance dips.
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From Wilson’s perspective: he still has years remaining, financial security, and a chance to shine with Dallas.
So yes—the deal is “good” in a general sense. Whether it becomes “great” will depend on his future performance, health, and how the new situation unfolds.
Outlook & What to Watch
Over the next 1-2 seasons, here are key indicators:
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Health/Rebound: How well Wilson recovers from the knee/leg issues and whether he returns to 100+ tackle level.
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Role/Usage: In Dallas, what will his snap count be? Will he be a full-time starter or part of a rotation?
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Production: Tackles, interceptions, pass-breakups, forced fumbles will all matter.
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Leadership/Intangibles: As a veteran, can he anchor a defense, mentor younger players, and be a difference-maker?
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Contract value vs market: If he performs well, he could position himself for an even bigger contract or prove himself among elite linebackers. If he falters, the contract might become a burden relative to performance.
Conclusion
Logan Wilson’s journey—from Wyoming standout to third-round pick to key NFL contributor—shows the hallmarks of a player who maximised his opportunity. His contract extension was well-timed and fair, aligning with his production and role. Injury and a change of teams add complexity, but also the potential for a comeback story.
For Wilson, the upcoming seasons will be pivotal: continuing high performance will validate the contract and reinforce his status. For his team(s), the contract remains a moderate risk with upside. In sum: this is a good deal—not guaranteed to be great, but well-structured and with potential for both sides to benefit.
