The Dallas Cowboys are trying to get back on track on defense. Their offense averaged the most total yards per game, but giving up the third-most yards and the most points per game didn't do much to help Dak Prescott and company.
That's why, now that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is in town, they're going through a bit of a defensive overhaul, with six of their eight signings (or re-signings) coming on that side of the field. That's also why they should ignore Bobby Wagner's age and get him signed as well.
Bobby Wagner Can Continue to Age like a Fine Wine in Dallas
Wagner is the type of player who proves that age is just a number and keeps defying Father Time. Even at 35 years old, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the ninth-best linebacker in the game, providing the veteran with an overall grade of 78.6.
He didn't miss a single game for the struggling Washington Commanders, making 17 starts and logging 162 tackles -- the fourth most in his career -- including 79 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine QB hits, four passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
The Cowboys could certainly use that type of high-level production at linebacker, and he's more than familiar with the NFC East. He's also familiar with Dan Quinn's defense, which wouldn't hurt the team's game planning efforts in their two annual matchups against the divisional foe.
Wagner recorded his fourth-consecutive 90.0-plus run-defense (90.3). He only missed eight tackles, had 52 run stops, and posted 20 pressures in what could've been another All-Pro or Pro-Bowl selection for the 35-year-old.
Given his age, he's not projected to sign a long-term deal, but that doesn't mean he can't make a huge impact. Spotrac projects his next contract to be for one year and $7.7 million. According to Over The Cap, the Cowboys have $14.4 million in available cap space, so they can certainly get it done.
The Cowboys let Jack Sanborn walk away after his failed one-year stint in Arlington. They have two young and promising linebackers in DeMarvion Overshawn and Shemar James, and Wagner could be a perfect mentor and veteran leader for both of them. Also, he's a well-known pass rusher, and this team struggled to put pressure on the quarterback last season.
The fact that Wagner is still a free agent after posting these types of numbers is a blessing for Jerry Jones. He's the type of glue guy who can help build winning habits on a defense that has underperformed vastly over the past couple of years.