Linebacker Logan Wilson wants out from the Cincinnati Bengals due to lack of playing time.
According to ESPN, the 29-year-old who signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension in 2023 has requested a trade.
This season, the Bengals (3-4) rank 25th in yards allowed per rush attempt as they continue to rely on their young defenders. Ahead of this week’s matchup with the winless New York Jets (0-7), coach Zac Taylor reaffirmed his confidence in the rookie linebackers anchoring the middle of the defense.
Wilson Has Seen Playing Time Diminish for Rookies
Wilson has started in all seven games this season, but his role has gradually diminished. Most of the team’s defensive snaps have instead gone to rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr.
In Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, Wilson was on the field for only 19.7% of the defensive snaps during a 27–18 loss. Just four days later, he saw his playing time increase to 47.5% in a 33–31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which ended the team’s four-game losing streak.
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball against Logan Wilson #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Despite his reduced role, Carter said Wilson has been instrumental in helping him adjust to his new responsibilities as a starter.
“It hasn’t changed our relationship at all,” Carter told ESPN. “I still lean on him heavily with stuff, still ask him questions every single day. He’s been a great leader, just like the man he is since the day I got here.”
Potential Trade Destinations for Wilson
With the trade deadline approaching on Nov. 4, there are a handful of suitors that may be a good fit for Wilson.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky said on X that the Dallas Cowboys should trade for Wilson.
It could be an interesting fit. The Cowboys, sitting at 3-3-1, boast one of the league’s top offenses but are in need of defensive help. Dallas is currently allowing 29.4 points per game. With DeMarvion Overshown still recovering from the season-ending injury he suffered last year, the Cowboys have struggled to fill the void at linebacker.
Two other places to watch would be the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.
The Bengals have already turned away teams interested in trading for pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, confident they remain in the playoff hunt. If a Hendrickson deal doesn’t happen, the 49ers might consider reaching out about Wilson to address another defensive need. With Fred Warner out for the season, San Francisco could benefit from adding a veteran presence at linebacker.
The Colts have been the NFL’s biggest surprise so far, holding the league’s best record at 6-1 after Week 7. Despite their impressive start, Indianapolis may still be looking to shore up its defense. While the unit has been solid overall, weaknesses remain at linebacker and in the pass rush. Wilson could be a potential trade target to help fill those gaps.
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo previously worked closely with Wilson in Cincinnati, and that familiarity with his system could help rejuvenate the linebacker while addressing one of the team’s key defensive needs.
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