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Unexpected Retirement Announced After Cowboys Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 4:47 PM ET

Jerry Jones watched as his Dallas Cowboys , under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, struggled to find a consistent rhythm during the 2025 NFL season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys, allowing a league-leading 30.1 points per game, finished with a 7-9-1 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

Now, Jones and the Cowboys have begun making moves this offseason in hopes of getting back to the playoffs. They added a pass rusher in Rashan Gary via a trade with the Green Bay Packers . But they also lost some significant pieces, sending defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in a separate deal. And that was not the only defender Dallas will be without in 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Logan Wilson (55) during an NFL game.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Logan Wilson, after a college career at Wisconsin, was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 65 pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The linebacker spent his first six seasons with the Bengals and became one of their most reliable defenders. In Cincinnati, Wilson totaled 541 tackles, seven forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and 25 passes defended, eclipsing 100 tackles in four different seasons as well.

But ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline, in hopes of making quick fixes to the Cowboys’ defense, Jones traded for Wilson and New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. While Williams emerged as a star in Dallas, Wilson saw his role decrease significantly. In seven appearances, he recorded just 24 tackles, one forced fumble and one pass defended.

In February, after one season in Dallas, the Cowboys elected to release Wilson. And on Wednesday, just one month later, Wilson decided it was time for a major change, announcing his retirement from the NFL at just 29 years of age. The linebacker revealed the news on Instagram, with a message to the Bengals and Cowboys communities.

"After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to officially retire from the NFL," Wilson wrote. "Cincinnati will always mean a lot to me. The teammates, coaches, staff, and fans made those years unforgettable. That 2021 playoff run was something special — the interception in Tennessee to send us to the AFC Championship, beating Kansas City to win the AFC, and taking the field in the Super Bowl.

"Those moments and that locker room are something I’ll carry with me forever. And the best part of all, my daughter was born there I’m also thankful for the opportunity to finish this season in Dallas and for the way that locker room welcomed me in... Thank you to every teammate, coach, trainer, staff member, and fan who was part of the journey. And to Cincinnati… I’ll always appreciate the way you embraced me. Who Dey forever. 55 out "