“Source: #Cowboys have contacted free-agent linebacker Bobby Wagner and expressed their interest in having him play for DC Dan Quinn, who coached him in Seattle. Whether the financial components work out is yet to be determined. The two will keep in contact next few days.” – @WerderEdESPN via Twitter

Ed Werder of ESPN reported that the Cowboys had contacted Bobby Wagner about a potential reunion with Dan Quinn, his previous defensive coordinator in Dallas.

Twitter exploded with the idea that Bobby Wagner could possibly be a linebacker option for Dallas. The Cowboys could possibly lose Leighton Vander Esch, Keanu Neal, Luke Gifford, and Micah Parsons at linebacker if he is moved to a primary pass rusher. What was a crowded room just a year ago seems to be a major need for this team headed into the 2022 season.

But is Bobby Wagner the right fit for this team?

The simple answer is yes. But the more important answer is “if the money is right”.

Talk all offseason long has been the Cowboys and their salary cap struggles, they just recently traded Amari Cooper which many would consider a salary cap casualty with little compensation. Rumors are the Cowboys request Demarcus Lawrence to take a pay cut which he refused. They are looking at the idea of trading or releasing La’el Collins which would save the team $10 million this upcoming season.

Now that we have the Cowboys cap issues out of the way. Lets talk about what a Bobby Wagner salary might potentially look like on the open market.

At the age of 31 he is coming off a season in which he had 170 tackles, 3 tackles-for-loss and 1 interception. Although the tackle numbers are high, that isn’t always indicative of a great season at linebacker. Bobby Wagner isn’t on the upside of his NFL career, he is closing out what should a Hall of Fame career. With all of that, his contract could still be pretty high. I could see his number being around $10-12 million per year, with a 3-4 year contract.

Can the Cowboys afford that contract? Yes. If they wanted to.

As I wrote earlier, the Cowboys have been working to clear cap space. We should look to tamper our expectations. Much like it seems to be every year, the Cowboys likely won’t be in the market for Bobby Wagner.

This fit would be perfect for someone like Dan Quinn, and he has vouched for the Cowboys to make a move.

But ultimately I don’t see it happening.