‘He’s a stud’ – Brian Schottenheimer is clearly a big fan of potential Dallas Cowboys’ free agency target
The Dallas Cowboys need a linebacker, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer knows it. He also happens to be a big fan of a free agent who could alleviate his team’s problem.
Here’s a thing you should know about Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer: He’s a very enthusiastic, high-energy, always-in-a-good-mood guy.
When he’s being interviewed, that translates to honesty in front of the mic. Which is why I think his recent comments about a potential free agency target that the Cowboys could sign before the 2026 season matter.
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Schottenheimer praises free agent LB Bobby Wagner
Appearing on Kay Adams’ Up & Adams Show, Schottenheimer was asked about his take on Wagner, who remains a free agent. The Cowboys head coach didn’t hide his excitement.
“You’re looking at one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world, being in Seattle with him for three years and watching him compete and just talk trash in a good way,” Schottenheimer said. “I love that guy, and he’s still playing at a high level. So we’ll see how everything works out. It’s an exciting time of year, but Bobby Wagner, total stud.”
Schottenheimer noted the Cowboys had made unsuccessful runs at other free agent linebackers but failed to sign them—though he didn’t name them, Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker are on that list.
Wagner makes sense for the Cowboys
Wagner makes sense for the Cowboys at several levels. I don’t think he’s the complete solution to Dallas’ lack of a middle linebacker. He will be 36 years old when the season starts and his coverage in 2025 was an issue (more on that later).
But it’s not like the Cowboys can be choosers here. With the top free agents gone, their chances to land a top-tier linebacker appear to be down to using a first-round pick (it’s difficult to expect a rookie to succeed with the green dot right away) or making a big-time trade before the season—perhaps for the Dolphins’ Jordyn Brooks?
Wagner can be a bridge starter while the Cowboys are comfortable playing a rookie, and more importantly, he can be a valuable mentor in the locker room. His age and declining coverage likely make him a very inexpensive free agent target.
Wagner can be a ‘great help’ for the Cowboys
For more insight on who Wagner is today, I reached out to our own Josh Taylor from A to Z Sports Washington. His take? The Cowboys could really use the veteran and six-time first-team All-Pro.
“Commanders HC Dan Quinn said the door is open for Bobby Wagner making a return, but then he also went on to say that they love their LB room,” Taylor says. “I don’t see it happening after adding Leo Chenal, with the possibility of drafting Sonny Styles as well.”
“Wagner is still one of the best tackling LB’s in the NFL, but his drop in coverage was very notable in 2025, and the Commanders had no choice but to upgrade,” Taylor adds. “Teams were matching up against Wagner in coverage and exploited him often. He could still be a great help for the Cowboys, but they need to be cautious of his liabilities and continue adding to the LB room.”
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