NFL rumors: Cowboys going star hunting early in free agency

The Dallas Cowboys missed on free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner last year. The latest NFL rumors suggest they’re hoping second time is the charm.

After being cut by the Seahawks last year, Bobby Wagner landed with the defending Super Bowl champion LA Rams.

He was looking to play for a contender but the wheels fell off for Los Angeles in 2022 and he once again got the release treatment as the Rams looked to clear cap space.

The last time Wagner was a free agent, the Cowboys appeared to be a primary suitor for the Pro Bowler. This time, things haven’t changed with NFL free agency open for 2023. According to Ed Werder of ESPN, Dallas still wants him.

NFL rumors: Cowboys in contact with free agent LB Bobby Wagner

“The #Cowboys have contacted LB Bobby Wagner about their interest in signing him for the second time in as many years,” Werder tweeted on Monday as NFL free agency opened up. “Seahawks interested too. Source tells me Wagner decision not imminent as both seek to determine his current value.”

Wagner was a six-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler in 10 years with the Seahawks. In his lone season with the Rams, he didn’t make the Pro Bowl but he was still an AP All-Pro second-teamer with 140 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, 10 QB hits, five pass defenses and two interceptions.

He will be 33 years old by the time the 2023 season starts, but his performance last year suggests he has plenty left to give.

What’s up for debate is how much he’s worth as a free agent and how much the Cowboys are willing to invest in him relative to the Seahawks or other interested teams. Dallas has a lot more to get done this offseason.

Wagner’s contract with the Rams was for five years and $50 million.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Seattle for two seasons during Wagner’s time with the Seahawks.