Why haven’t Cowboys signed Bobby Wagner yet? 3 reasons why former Rams All-Pro is still without a job

Bobby Wagner is one of the best overall players available during the 2023 NFL free-agency period. He is also one of the best middle linebackers in the entire NFL. After spending the first decade of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, he joined the Los Angeles Rams for the 2022 NFL season. He earned his ninth consecutive selection for the All-Pro team, proving he's still at the top of his game.

Many teams are likely interested in adding Bobby Wagner to their roster during the 2023 NFL offseason. He will serve as an instant upgrade on just about every NFL team, while consistently proving he can be the "quarterback" for whichever defense he plays for. He has also shown incredible durability and reliability throughout his career, missing just nine total games in 11 years.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the teams that Wagner has been most closely connected to in many free agency rumors this year. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is one of the main reasons why. Quinn served in the same position for the Seattle Seahawks' infamous Legion of Boom defense, where Wagner served as a defensive captain.

A reunion between Quinn and Wagner seems to make a ton of sense, especially since the Cowboys have been targeting established veterans during the 2023 NFL offseason. They recently acquired Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks via trade as they set their sights on a potential Super Bowl run this year. Bobby Wagner fits right into what the Cowboys are doing right now.

While signing Wagner seems to be a logical move for the Cowboys, it's fair to wonder why it hasn't happened yet. Here are three possible factors that could hold up a potential deal.

#1 - Bobby Wagner may not believe the Cowboys are Super Bowl contenders

Just because the Cowboys believe they will compete for a Super Bowl ring during the 2023 NFL season, that doesn't necessarily mean Bobby Wagner agrees with them. He may not feel as strongly about their chances, causing him to hesitate about the idea of going to Dallas.

It's extremely likely that Wagner is only looking to join a team where he believes he will be competing for another ring. This likely played heavily into his decision to join the Rams last year in their quest to repeat as champions. If he doesn't believe the Cowboys are true contenders, then he's unlikely to sign with them, regardless of the fact that Dan Quinn is there.

#2 - Cowboys may disagree with Bobby Wagner's contract demands

Wagner signed a five-year contract with the Rams worth $50 million during the 2022 NFL offseason. He was released as a salary cap casualty in 2023, making him an unrestricted free agent. It's unclear exactly what kind of contract he's looking for this year, but it may be more than the Cowboys are looking to spend.

#3 - Cowboys may be satisfied with what they already have

While Bobby Wagner would clearly be an upgrade for the Cowboys at middle linebacker, it's possible the team doesn't see it as a necessary improvement. Leighton Vander Esch currently serves as their starting middle linebacker. They also selected Jabril Cox in the 2021 NFL Draft. It's possible the Cowboys already feel good about their depth and don't see it as a wise business move to invest further in the position.

Bobby Wagner's Madden rating over the years

Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner represents the fourth-highest rated middle linebacker in Madden 23. His 89 rating trails only Fred Warner, Lavonte David, and Roquan Smith. While this is clearly still a solid rating, it's a bit of a drop off from his peak. He joined the coveted 99 club in Madden 20 and remained there for Madden 21.

Wagner first entered Madden 13 with a 69 rating as a rookie and steadily increased that number each season of his career. Madden 22 featured the first year his rating declined, while Madden 23 was the first time he dropped below a 90 rating since Madden 15.