We were so close!
Photo courtesy of Michael Morris
Some may recall that line from Greek mythologies Hades in Disney’s popular “Hercules” movie. Unlike Hades' intentions, this line holds different meaning with the Dallas Cowboys and Bobby Wagner, former Seattle Seahawks linebacker.
After the Seahawks released the multiple time All-Pro and future hall of famer, Wagner's stint as a free agent surely was not going to last long. The Cowboys and another team showed interest in his services. It just would not be the Cowboys who would get them.
The Los Angeles Rams signed Wagner to a five year $50 million dollar deal, according to RJ Ochoa’s Blogging the Boys article. Ochoa adds more that looks like a suggestion that the Cowboys getting Wagner looked like a potential possibility.
“That was a real thing. We had conversations. I love [Cowboys defensive coordinator] Dan Quinn and have a lot of respect for him. But between their needs and what they’re willing to spend, we couldn’t agree. But there was mutual interest,” Ochoa quoted Wagner’s comments on his dealings with the Cowboys.
Now to elaborate on that quote in more detail.
Photo courtesy of Michael Morris
When Quinn served as defensive coordinator with the Seahawks, he coached Wagner and other key names that helped that defense keep offenses in check and win Seattle a Super Bowl. Ochoa listed this as a good reason for Wagner thinking of coming to Dallas.
With spending, Ochoa said that the Cowboys are not big on giving free agents a lot of money, especially in the sense of what the Rams gave Wagner. Plus, if this statement is correct, the Cowboys would rather develop and reward their own players through the NFL Draft.
There’s nothing wrong with this approach. The Cowboys have shown they can draft and develop talented players. However, they may need to use free agency and other methods for Jerry Jones’ dreams of winning a Super Bowl sooner rather than later to take effect.
In the past, the 90’s for example, the Cowboys used free agency and more to acquire notable players, specifically Hall of Famers Charles Haley and Deion Sanders. They and the 80s Hershel Walker trade helped the Cowboys build part of their 90’s dynasty teams.
Last season, the Rams getting former Denver Bronco and now Buffalo Bill Von Miller (someone else worth a Cowboys risk) helped them improve their defense. That of which already has Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald, both top players at their positions. Also adding former Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and former New York Giants and Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., the Rams won the Super Bowl last season.
Wagner is just as much a star of all these players, past and present. Paying for him may have been troublesome for the Cowboys, but if they could have, they should have done so. With Wagner now in his 30’s, the Cowboys may never have a chance of getting him again.
The thought of Wagner as a Cowboy felt more like a dream than reality. However, after hearing about how close it came to reality, it’s hard not to think of what could have been.