While the Dallas Cowboys sat on their hands in free agency, former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn green-lighted one of the biggest spending sprees in recent NFL history. With $90 million in cap space to throw around, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have overhauled the Commanders' roster.
As expected, Quinn signed multiple Cowboys free agents. That included giving versatile defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz handsome contracts. In more high-profile moves, Washington signed RB Austin Ekeler and linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
Ironically, Quinn stealing Armstrong and Biadasz (and Dante Fowler) isn't that bothersome. What actually irked Cowboys fans was the fact Quinn finally emphasized the linebacker position -- something he didn't do over his three seasons in Dallas.
That might have been more of a Jerry Jones issue, however.
Appearing on 'Up & Adams' with Kay Adams, Bobby Wagner confirmed he and Quinn almost linked up in Dallas. So why did Quinn's recruiting efforts for fall short? Per Wagner, the Cowboys' contract offer wasn't good enough.
Cowboys fans owe Dan Quinn an apology after Bobby Wagner revelation
"I have a ton of respect for (Dan Quinn) from afar," Wagner said. "We actually tried to make it happen a couple times, it just didn't work out structurally from a contract perspective. We finally got it right [in Washington]. Quinn as a person and as a leader has always been amazing."
Adams then asked Wagner why he never ended up in Dallas with Quinn, to which Wagner replied, "You've got to ask the Cowboys there."
#Commanders LB Bobby Wagner and HC Dan Quinn are back together.... but this wasn't the first time they tried reunite outside Seattle 👀🌶️🔊 #HTTC @Bwagz @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/QXmcpBd9eA
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 16, 2024
Wagner has been a free agent in each of the last three offseasons. Last year we learned that Dallas had "initial conversations" with the All-Pro after he was released by the Rams. However, negotiations never got off the ground and Wagner wound up returning to the Seahawks on a one-year deal.
The Cowboys were reportedly in on Wagner in 2022 but they quickly dropped out of the sweepstakes, likely because of his contract demands. Wagner would sign a five-year, $50 million deal with the Rams.
Wagner isn't the show-stopper he was in his prime, but even on the wrong side of 30 he would've been a significant upgrade over what Dallas had at linebacker the last two seasons. Quinn clearly recognized the team's deficiencies at the position and he seemingly convinced Wagner to help the cause before Jerry and Stephen Jones lowballed him at the negotiation table.
Quinn was far from perfect during his time as Cowboys defensive coordinator. He didn't leave on great terms after the wild card loss to the Packers, but he's undoubtedly owed an apology from those who held it against him that Dallas never upgraded at linebacker during his tenure.
He more than did his part to get Wagner to Dallas.
