Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson has officially requested a trade, according to a source who spoke to ESPN on Thursday. The sixth-year player has been a vital part of the Bengals’ defense, starting in all seven games this season. However, Wilson's role has significantly diminished as the season has progressed, leading to his decision to seek a change.
This season, Wilson has seen his playing time decrease as rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have taken on a larger share of the defensive snaps. In Week 6, during a challenging matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Wilson was on the field for just 19.7% of the team's defensive plays, contributing to a 27-18 defeat. A few days later, in a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played 47.5% of the snaps, helping the Bengals secure a much-needed 33-31 victory that ended a frustrating four-game losing streak.
Logan Wilson signed a four-year, $36 million extension in 2023, leaving him with two years remaining on his contract. As the Bengals (3-4) currently rank 25th in yards allowed per rush attempt, the team has opted to rely more heavily on its younger players, further contributing to Wilson's diminished role.
Heading into the upcoming game against the New York Jets (0-7), Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reiterated his commitment to developing the rookies in the middle of the defense. Wilson, originally a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been an instrumental player in the Bengals' defensive strategies, particularly during the team's turnaround season. Notably, he was a starter on the 2021 squad that advanced to the Super Bowl, two years after the Bengals had the worst record in the league.
Over his six seasons with the Bengals, Wilson has made 75 starts, accumulating impressive statistics that include six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 11 interceptions. Despite experiencing a reduction in playing time, rookie linebacker Barrett Carter expressed that Wilson has continued to be a strong mentor. “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.”
As Wilson seeks a trade, his future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his contributions to the Bengals and potential as a player continue to be recognized by teammates and fans alike.