Dallas Cowboys Release Trade Deadline Acquisition In Surprise Move

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 3:43 PM ET

With free agency just a few weeks away, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are making some tweaks to their roster.

The Cowboys were awfully busy during the regular season, acquiring Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson before the trade deadline. They were supposed to elevate a defense that was struggling under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' command.

After firing Eberflus in January, the Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator. He was previously the secondary coach and passing game coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. His unit ranked eighth in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns allowed this past season.

Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) scrambles and is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Logan Wilson (55) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

In addition to making changes to the coaching staff, Jones has decided to part ways with one of his mid-season acquisitions. On Friday afternoon, "America's Team" released Wilson from their roster.

Wilson appeared in seven games for the Cowboys this past season. He had 24 tackles and a forced fumble in limited action.

By cutting Wilson before free agency, the Cowboys have saved $6.5 million in cap space.

#Cowboys have released LB Logan Wilson. They will save $6M by doing so. pic.twitter.com/kYs9GflzuY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 20, 2026

Cowboys planning a big move?

The Cowboys came into this Friday at roughly $30 million over the cap. Wilson's release gets them closer to being cap compliant.

Although the Cowboys have more work to do, Jones has already promised fans that he'll make a big splash.

“We want to, while Dak [Prescott] is playing the game and got it down the way he’s got it, we want to get out here and do better than what we did this year,” Jones said. “So a combination of those things give us the incentive to, dare I say it, bust the budget to try to get something down now, yes. We’ll do some dramatic things.”

One thing is certain: the Cowboys won't be boring under Jerry Jones' leadership.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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